Question about inverting polarity

sarah: my boulder 1012 also allows remote polarity inversion, which the (very handsome) manual explains nicely as being different from phase inversion. here’s what it says:

NOTE: Often polarity is mistakenly called phase. As phase indicates any angle between two channels from 0 to 360 degrees, the correct term of polarity is preferred to indicate the 180º phase change, or inversion, available on the 1012 DAC Preamplifier.

so, as I understand it, cd’s and even tracks on the same cd are frequently recorded, intentionally or not, with “positive” or “negative” polarity. By toggling between these settings on a polarity inverter of the same form employed on the boulder 1012, you can replicate the polarity of the original recording. my experimentation has also shown that “positive” polarity is the preferred setting for “normal” listening of cd’s or lp’s. this translates, i believe, to the pre being connected "in phase" or in "common polarity" with the amp.

-cfb

some recordings are quite intentionally produced "out-of-phase" to maximize soundstage width. the most recognizable of these are "q sound" products, including roger water's "amused to death" and madonna's "music." -cfb

zaikesman: i agree with you on all points but one: i CAN here differences in cd playback using the polarity/phase control function on the boulder. most experiences are subtle. some are not. and, we're not just talkin' about "audiophile" recordings here, whatever that description may mean. -cfb

ps-FWIW, the "needlessly confusing" manual for the boulder was written by a guy with a MSEE.