2. amps-preamps
  3. 124105-1425

Technical question on phase inversion.

This past weekend, I replaced my solid state preamplifier with a tube preamp. What a difference! I really like the change in the sound but I'm confused by one thing. The MFA Magus B manual says this about the main outputs,  "NOTICE: The high-level stage of the Magus preamplifier is an inverting amplifier. Many audiophiles prefer to correct for this by reversing the speaker cables on BOTH speakers (+ to - and - to +)." So, now I'm confused! I have tried it both ways and they both sound good to me. I'm wondering if there is a rule of thumb about "inversion" that I'm not aware of. So far, I'm only listening to CD, if that helps. Don't get me started on how to correct for inversion when playing analog. That's my next adventure!
tonykay

Showing 1 response by rodman99999

rodman99999
6,206 posts
 
If the issue is really bothering you, buy a copy of the  'CHESKY RECORDS
JAZZ Sampler
and
Audiophile Test Compact Disc
VOLUME 1'.  It includes a few Absolute Polarity tests, to enable you to see if you can detect the difference(s) with phase inverted, along with other tools to help you properly set up and test your system.  If you can't audibly discern phase inversion with this CD: don't worry about it.    If you can: it will enable you to make the corrections necessary for your greatest listening pleasure.  Of course, then you'll have to listen to every recording in your collection and mark some for phase-reversed listening(if there's a reversal switch, somewhere in your system).   A number of recording in my collection sound the same both ways.  Most don't.  .   http://www.amazon.com/Chesky-Records-Sampler-Audiophile-Compact/dp/B000003GF3
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