🚀 go-pugleaf

In article <1992Dec31.235858.22059@mnemosyne.cs.du.edu> tlode@nyx.cs.du.edu
(trygve lode) writes:
>In article <1hvai7INNt2c@transfer.stratus.com> rsud@sw.stratus.com (Rajiv Sud)
writes:
>
>>	Absolute phase does matter and is easy to hear. You and other
>>non-belivers might try it for yourself on something better than a mass
>>market system. Better than mass market is the key (but spare me the
>>arguements about not being able to afford $2000 components. If mass
>>consumers weren't so complacent and demanded better they'd get it).
>
>Can you perhaps suggest a few recordings on which absolute phase is easy
>to hear?  I have several stereos, ranging from a Rotel 955 driving a 
>Musical Fidelity A-1 20WPC pure class A integrated amp with a pair of
>Chartwell LS3/5a speakers to one that includes the latest revision models
>of EAD transport & processor, Threshold amp, and Apogee Stage speakers
>(this week, anyway) and several others, including ones where I have designed
>the speakers and some of the electronics.  I can hear the difference when
>moving a tweeter forward or backwards an inch or two when making
>an enclosure, the (frequently dramatic) difference between two high-end
>amplifiers, the effects of changing speaker or listener position by an inch
>or so, and the differences between different op-amps, but I've never been
>able to detect absolute phase, even on the Stereophile test disks that are
>specifically designed for testing this ability.
>
>Trygve 
>

The audibility of absolute polarity (which, by the way, is not a function of
time, as is phase) will be most noticeable with a high-transient, low-frequency
signal (below 60 Hz). The impact of a prominent, well recorded kick drum will
be weaker if the speaker polarity is opposite that of the assumed correct
recording polarity where a positive pressure produced a positive voltage at the
microphone.

A very simple test to satisfy your curiosity would be to listen to the
difference in woofer sound quality as you apply a battery across the terminals
of your speaker cabinet. I believe you'll find the compression wave produced by
a positive voltage on the positive terminal (pushing the speaker outward) will
yield the more satisfying thump.