2. amps-preamps
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Reverse Phase Preamp with HT Bypass

I am considering purchase of reverse/inverted phase preamp. So, here is the situation as I understand it:

- In order to have the preamp operate properly, the phasing of my speakers need to be reversed. They are bi-wired, so the wiring of the positive (red) versus negative (black) speaker wire needs to be reversed coming from the amp on both posts.

- That means instead of red (positive) speaker wire to red (positive) post, it would now be red (positive) speaker wire to black (negative) post ... is that correct?

Issue: The way my system is set up now with pre/pro (AVR with HT and 2-channel capabilities) going into speakers "in phase" ... everything seems to be working properly. If I reverse the phase - in order to accommodate the new preamp reverse phasing - then what happens when control is returned to the AVR pre/pro via HT bypass? At that point the AVR pre/pro output load is "in phase" going into "reverse phase" speakers in the FL/FR channels of a 5.1 configuration. Will that create a phasing issue? If so, then what is a possible workaround? Please help me understand.
strateahed
8 responses Add your response
brf
1,715 posts
 
If you want to reverse the phase of your speakers, then your description is correct. The problem lies, is that all equipment that runs through the pre-amp’s HT bypass will now be out of phase.

If the pre-amp is just used for a turntable, you can always reverse the cartridge leads to obtain reverse phase and leave your speakers alone.

Does any of your source equipment have the option to reverse phase on either the remote or faceplate?
strateahed OP
304 posts
 
Brf, source equipment does not have option to reverse phase anywhere. Also, with exception of DVD/Blu-Ray player, everything will go through preamp - wireless DAC, CDP, and TT.

I am starting to re-think the pre-amp choice and consider an alternative that does not invert phase. Thanks for your input.
brf
1,715 posts
 
Can you hear the out of phase when playing a DVD/Blueray?

Most DVD movies have no phase standard as they are mixed from a host of different sources, which contain no standardization of phase.
strateahed OP
304 posts
 
Brf, I have not experimented with that. There is another situation that comes up. Though 2-channel is my primary listening mode, occasionally I like to put on multichannel SACD. The more I think about it, my second preamp choice makes more sense. Thanks again and happy listening!
mattmiller's avatar
mattmiller
1,497 posts
 
Dont worry about PHASE ....Most all recordings are not in correct phase. If you can dial it in and it sounds good .IT is good ! dont stress about having correct phase its not a big deal at all.
zd542
5,339 posts
 
I wouldn't be concerned. The difference between in phase and out of phase, is very small and very difficult to hear. Honestly, it took me a long time using revealing equipment to actually figure out what the difference was. And I could only do it by going back and forth using a source component that has a phase invert button like Brf mentions. Not onlt that, an album can be in or out of phase. And its about a 50/50 split. So even if set your equipment up in phase, the recording itself may be out of phase. That's why I say don't worry about it.
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,841 posts
 
Phase makes a difference if the recording uses a minimal mic recording technique- either 2 or 3 mics (if the third mic is a center channel).

If more than that are used, valuable phasing information becomes jumbled and the effects of absolute phase is nearly impossible to make out.

Other posters are correct- 50% of all recordings are out-of-phase. That is why a switch on the preamp is nice to have.
strateahed OP
304 posts
 
Sounds like most are confirming mfg comments regarding phase. He basically stated that reversing phase on speakers is necessary to make sure everything works properly with the preamp - in terms of SQ. Then he said don't worry about passive signal with HT bypass engaged ... as this is no big deal for movies or surround sound. Frankly, I did not buy that explanation. That's how the thread ended up here. I'm more comfortable now. Thanks everybody!
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