Audioheads talk about phase in different ways. The 'Polarity' switch in a component has to do with electricity inside that component only. Absolute phase to a loudspeaker is a different thing, my big system actually sounds better set up in reverse polarity, and none of my components invert phase. Go figure. I haven't had obvious results with components that allow switching.
People will debate whether recordings with their numerous sound-sources and microphones can produce a truly phase-coherent image. I'm pretty sure they can but I'm equally confident few do. Then, related to subwoofers and speakers, phase describes the relationship between acoustic wavefronts from various sources (drivers). Loudspeaker designers seek 'phase coherent' designs where physical placement of drivers + crossover influence = net zero in arrival timing. Many multi-way designs invert phase to some drivers to counteract effects of the crossover network, to actually increase net phase linearity. With subwoofers, correct phase is hugely important. I'd never buy one without continuous 0 - 180 degree and +/- controls. I've done room measurements and the difference in-room of getting it right versus wrong can be 30 decibels. It's easy to check (see third post down): http://www.avguide.com/forums/subwoofer-phase There are other contexts and the topics I've listed are obviously WAY deeper and beyond my understanding. -- miklorsmith ------------------------------------------------------------------------ miklorsmith's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=4349 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=70323 _______________________________________________ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/audiophiles
