Preamp inverts phase question:

Benie,
I agree with Almarg. If a pre inverts the signal, it takes either a inverting amp or a switching of the speaker cable polarity to correct it (uninvert it). It is similar to the way positives and negatives work in math. A minus times a plus is a minus, and it takes two minuses to make a plus.

Rodman, your research and references were very interesting. In addition to covering many of the aspects of absolute polarity, they really hit home on the need for time and phase accurate speakers to have any chance of hearing polarity differences. They also made it clear that polarity is not just a leading edge effect, but can be heard in mid frequency continuous asymetrical waveforms. I did not realize that previously.

When you combine the phase inversions in mics, mixers and recording equipment, and the potential circuitry differences in a preamps polarity switches, you have a lot of variables even if you get the absolute polarity of your system correct. Still, I agree that is what you should do.

Since I do have time/phase speakers and a polarity switch on the pre, I think I'll do some listening similar to Jea and report back.