help with absolute phase

there are a number of test cd's and lp's that can be used to assure that your system (as oppposed to the source) is in phase. i use the stereophile test disc 2 or the ortophon test lp as a quick check on phase whenever i change out cables or electronics. both of my last 2 preamps have allowed remote reversal of phase, a nice feature given what elgordo rightly notes.

onhwy61 makes several good points, that also address the query of chelillingworth directed to me. generally, you will be able to detect whether your system is in relative phase by checking the "channel phasing" of your speakers. this can be accomplished with stereophile test disc 2. if your channels are out of phase, then you've got some wire(s) crossed somewhere that affects both the relative and absolute phase. "sytstem phase" is testable with the stereophile test disc 1. i cannot attest to its accuracy, tho, i am usually able to detect by listening when a system is connected out-of-phase. absolute phase correctness requires more than a test disc or my ears can offer and i don't really worry about it, as, again, onhwy61 suggests.

am0779@aol.com: you can buy the stereophile test discs online at: http://www.stereophile.com/
goto: "recordings."

the ortofon (i misspelled it in my earlier post) test lp is long out of print but can be found, if you're in luck, at places where used lp's are available. good hunting. -kelly