Center channel phase question.

Steuspeed is commenting on time alignment more than phase. I think the OP means is his center channel woofer moving out when the others are, and vice versa. There are a number of multichannel test discs, but my favorite (cuz it tests phase for all 5.1 speaker combinations) is MDG's Breakthrough Into a New Dimension DVD-Audio disc. It checks relative phase for l/r, l-center, r-center, etc. It's $19-25 at CD Universe, Acoustic Sounds, etc.

another simple test is to reverse the + and - speaker leads and see if the center image gets more diffuse or more focused. obviously if it gets more diffuse the original orientation was in-phase. be careful as not all program material has center channel info so the result could be misleading. i would make sure the recording you use has clear center channel content (voice is best).

personally; i have recently added multi-channel to my dedicated 2-channel room for SACD multi-channel. i feel strongly that a center channel for music only detracts from optimal performance for both multi-channel and 2-cnannel. i use an analog 6 channel preamp for my multi-channel......and have had it wired to create a 'phantom' center. the center channel signal is split and added equally to both front left and right channels. this gives me at least as good a center image as having a center speaker and eliminates the negatives of the center channel.

Mike has a good idea with switching leads but you can do this test he suggests and have better results by simply using your calibration test tone so you have a steady easy to hear signal.

Thanks all. I think it's probably in-phase, but I'm going to roll the leads tonight just to check it out.

I haven't had any issues, but I do run my three front speakers full range and got to thinking about the phase of all speakers, especially since I use a different amp for the main channel.

"The front speakers should all be the same distance from the seating position. If the Center speaker is closer, the processor can delay the timing. Typically its 1 millisecond per foot. If you can set them equidistant with no adjustment, that is ideal. "

Another question just popped in my head. How many 1) actually follow this concept; 2) have ideal room setup/situation (unobstructed and equidistant); and 3) are willing, better yet know how, to adjust the processor to compensate for the setup shortcomings?

IMO, this is a major reason why so many audiophiles simply give up on processor based surround sound (gimmick is the word they use most often), bypass discrete MC, and concede back to 2-channel for everything (HT and music).

Basic principals like the one discussed here are essential for surround sound. Few are willing to learn why. Sad but true!