The truth about Absolute Polarity

[@happygil4698]

50 years! 50% off! Congratulations 🎉

[@marcusbrsp]

Yes! And if you buy 2 products the discount should double.

[@heinebohmann1566]

​@@marcusbrspThat's right.Two mono-amplifiers.

[@glenncurry3041]

I have passed blind (double blind) tests to detect absolute polarity. Naturally depending on how well phasing was maintained in the recording, e.g. some Direct to Disc from Toshiba liked to phase invert the mic on the kick drum to lower groove excursions. And it sounds like it! Yes I hear it as sucking, the sound is sucked away from me rather than projected towards me. One test was when I bought my Maggies. I walked into the HiFi store (yes an actual Audio store) and was seated in front of some box speakers. I instantly detected out of absolute phase. The sales guy had no idea who I was or why I was there other than to buy some speakers at that point. I asked him to invert both speakers connections and yes, now in phase. So I told him I was going to leave the room and he should either change them back or not but don't tell me. When I walked back in they were out of phase again. He asked what I was doing and I explained absolute phase. Which he said he did not believe in and yet I just proved it to him. We did two more tests and I was 100%.

[@thinkIndependent2024]

U R Correct I can hear phase 100% its why I own multiple systems that can do Crosstalk Cancellation including my Polk SDAs and other units that do delay and phase reversal cancel

[@RichTeer]

Congrats on 50 years, Paul and the entire PS Audio team!

[@geoff37s57]

The issue is whether all channels are in the same phase or not. Flipping phase on all channels will make no audible difference. However, the flipping of phase in one channel is a very different issue. If one of your speakers is wired opposite polarity to the other speaker then you will not hear a solid central image. Test this by playing a mono tone and you should hear a solid central image. Out of phase speakers will sound confused with sound smeared and not appearing to come from a single point. This is basic set up.

[@JJ-no2ob]

50 years ! Big congrats to you and the PS. Audio family -past and present.

[@gotham61]

Most recordings have mixed polarity. Some instruments are reversed from others. The late Clark Johnson wrote a book about the subject called The Wood Effect.

[@craigellsworth3952]

You answered my question on Clark. I too recall the back and forth in the pages of Stereophile back in the early to mid 90s.

[@harrykressl1251]

Happy anniversary for your 50th. Your videos and your company are just amazing. Hello from Germany

[@matthewhilty4209]

So I also have a DAC with an absolute phase button. Yes sometimes I can hear some recordings are out of absolute phase in near-field listening but it is very rare. Sometimes the hit of a drum feels a tiny touch weak and I will hit that phase button but it is so rare that I notice that I honestly wouldn't worry about it. If it really bothers you just reverse the positive and negative speaker wires on the back of your amp.

[@TWALBEVA]

Great answer! I've had similar experiences where I notice a change at first but can't feel it after a few days. I've learned this helps me decide if I really need new equipment.

[@rtflone]

Mazel tov on your 50th anniversary Paul. I'll be 74 in three weeks good lord willing. Doubtful I'll be here for your next 50th either. Godspeed amigo..

[@connorduke4619]

Paul doesn't speak Dutch.

[@barrypatterson1154]

All Conrad Johnson preamps are phase inverted. They tell you to reverse the polarity on your speakers. I do that but I have no idea whether it makes any difference. Congrats on 50 years. Keep the great videos coming.

[@davidsicking7514]

The ear response goes to maybe 20 Hz. And I had a Phono cartridge that went to DC. But the pressure of a sudden leading base wave also affects the soft tissue and chest. So one might get leading pulse edge info from those sensations. But midrange and higher, other than phase cancellations, no effect.

[@vinylrules4838]

Congratulations, Paul! 50 years is a huge milestone. Maybe you could do a free download of a few of your favorite Octave Recordings for the 50th celebration? Love your videos. Keep up the great work.

[@ryanfitzpatrick3256]

Cheers to fifty years!! Kudos to you Paul!

[@Roamany-Jones]

Love your little videos at just the right length. I very rarely comment on KZbin but felt I needed to on this occasion. About 30 years ago I bought a pair of speakers from a well known UK HiFi retailer and when I played them at home the image was throwing itself one way then the other to such an extent it was making me feel sick. I rang the retailer who told me to connect each one to a 9 volt battery ! I had no idea why but the cone of one of the speakers pushed out much to the shock of the retailers local engineer. He said they were wired 'out of phase' at the factory. I had never heard the expression before then and I was unfortunate enough to be one of the few percentage of the population to be sensitive to phase issues. He rewired them for me and everything sounded fantastic, with the return of the bass and a stable central image. So when some people say it is not possible to hear, I agree, it probably isn't for them as they dont fall into the few percent category. If you can go to the 2025 Ascot show (can't make it this year) I challenge you to set up a blind demo of your speakers both in and out of phase and I will see if I am still prone to phase problems 😁RWJ

[@sudd3660]

a related point: no recoding has absolute phase, relative phase within the recording is more important to keep while mastering and reproducing at home.

[@hugobloemers4425]

That answer is spot on. As for the 50 year jubilee, congratulations and well deserved. My suggestion would be a street party with various musicians. It would be something that involves the local community.

[@lummond]

The Schiit Yggdrasil has (for some reason) a polarity inversion button on it, and you can absolutely hear a difference. I'd describe it as sounding "upside down" where the snares sound "positional lg higher" than the cymbals. Would I be able to tell if it was inverted without hearing it uninverted first? I doubt it. Re: the phase inverted Rotel CD player, wasn't there some theory that Redbook/all CDs were themselves inverted and needed to be inverted again to "sound correct"?

[@babubabu12345]

very good discussion about absolute polarity.

[@rickmilam413]

I have been able to detect phase inversion on some recordings, especially somewhat minimalist "pure" recordings. One of my customers, my lawyer as well, swore by this and would check each recording. Bill (RIP) was an astute listener with a great system and he felt that many multi track recordings have different phase responses in the mix, be it mikes, recording process, whatever. I suspect he was right.

[@LelandPratt-nw9ix]

With all the phase inverting stages involved in recording and playback, it’s hard to tell what phase we are eventually ending up with. It’s easy to flip the phase by reversing your speaker’s terminals. If you hear a difference just go with what sounds best for each song, because they could all be different. I’ve given up trying.

[@bradwalker1259]

I think it only matters in live sound and sound reinforcement scenarios. It really does matter then.

[@3Cr15w311]

If a drum were hit, wouldn't that cause the diaphram to go down and therefore create an initial lessening of air pressure at the microphone, making the speaker needing to go sharply "in" rather than "out" initially? I doubt it really matters as far as being able to hear it differently, though.

[@infinite1der]

Interesting thought experiment. I would say that the pressure difference at the mic diaphragm on the initial hit would be negligible (at "standard" pressure), especially when compared to the pressure wave of the entire drum head that's under tension snapping backing to produce the sound.

[@RichTeer]

Absolute phase is most definitely audible, but not necessarily on all recordings. Just listen to a test CD that has phase tests (e.g., the old HFN/RR Test CD), where in phase and out of phase segments are played back to back. The switch from in phase to out of phase is quite audible and disconcerting!

[@jaakkolehto1487]

Don’t those test CD’s flip just one channel by 180°?

[@RichTeer]

@@jaakkolehto1487 I’m not sure but I don’t think so.

[@jaakkolehto1487]

@@RichTeer If you know what test CD it was, I can check if I have one and check it with a scope.

[@jamobhom]

Hi Paul, hope you will discuss about balanced input output of mixers, pre-amp, buffer. Why is really needed for Pro Sounds? Does unbalanced is produced bad sounds or the balanced is just to suppress the noise from the cable? What are the other benefits of balanced? - from Philippines

[@hilde45]

I have finally realized that if I am worrying about polarity, I am avoiding some larger bottlenecks in my system I should really tackle instead.

[@wjklaver]

Congratulations wit the 50th anniversary! A nice, stylish 50 years PSaudio logo on the equipment and maybe a black Sprout amp 😊

[@dvdaudiogleno6540]

Hey Paul: Interesting comment on "George," at 80% of the time able to hear absolute polarity. Around us recording engineers, it is usually discussed with RIBBON or other Bi-Directional microphones. Rumors that certain engineers could hear if a singer or announcer were singing or talking into the "back" side, or rear lobe of the RIBBON, etc. microphone. I certainly cannot hear this.

[@opporknockitytoots]

My DAC also has a polarity switch, and I can usually hear a noticeable difference between polarities. It’s usually hard to decide which I prefer though, so in practice I rarely bother with it.

[@PATRIK67KALLBACK]

Well, our ears and brain don't listen to sound in the time domain, only in the frequency domain. Therefore we don't hear if the sound is phase shifted. If you make a fourier transform of a sound vs phase shifted sound it generates the same spectrum 😊

[@brrryan2908]

It's not an intellectual argument, it's a detectable difference. Granted, it commonly requires comparison to be detectable, and music that has harmonic/phase/frequency complexity. It also requires highly phase-coherent headphones or speakers, since that's where everything is SUPPOSED to reassemble and recreate the original signal, only louder. But I don't lose sleep over it either. LOL!

[@BruceCross]

Whether I can hear it or not, I don't know, but my OCD side could not leave it inverted.

[@larryhoffman7471]

50 years 👏👏👏👏👏. I'm 77; see you in another 50👍

[@joeythedime1838]

Question: Why do the Japanese manufacturers like Luxman & Accuphase, put phase inverter switches on their gear for the XLR balanced connections?

[@philb-ze8sz]

Even recorded music can be out of the absolute phase which is why I never buy a preamp that does not offer that function and a mono switch. My open baffle speakers as well as my Quad ESL easily would tell you about the recording, clues vocals detail, bass dynamics, and imaging. A mono recording will sound dead like it sucked out, reverse the phase and it snaps into the middle of the speaker, presence comes back, etc. I check every recording I play for proper polarity. Speakers make a big difference because some have drivers out of phase within their design. Then there are systems where XLRs are wired pin 2 hot while another piece of gear would be pin 2 cold if so you our of phase then you flip your switch on the preamp or speakers, red to black, black to red on both speakers to bring things back into proper phase, even my Marantz Reference SA10S1 SACD player had a polarity adjustment in its setup know that issue. So many are listening to recordings out of the absolute phase and wondering why they sound bright and lifeless with poor imaging and bottom end. Jazz at the Pawnshop was recorded out of the absolute phase. Some recording are hard to say, but many sound night and day better when you hear it you know it, no even have to listen hard it hits you hard.

[@AnimusInvidious]

Imagine inverted polarity like winding up to punch. The punch itself is still the same. Does causing an amount of air pressure reduction just prior to air pressure increase have an effect on the initial transient, though? Hard to say. If so probably subtle. Perhaps the result depends somewhat on room, current air pressure, temperature, space inhabitants/obstructions, and even momentary air flow. Maybe in some situations one way or the other is beneficial.

[@tacofortgens3471]

A Jistory of PS Audio with old videos and photos compilation would be amazing

[@johnj596]

Do a 50th anniversary special edition color option on a dac or speakers.

[@joejoejoejoejoejoe4391]

What about the doppler effect, the bass wavelength distorting the higher frequencies differently as the bass driver moves in and out?

[@mikeeygauthier2959]

Changing the polarity on all your stereo equipment is supposed to improve the sound quality. Is this possible?

[@StrangeBrewReviews]

I Have the rotel dt-6000....there is nothing goofy about it I promise you that the sound is phenomenal.

[@lucianb1374]

Hi, Why not a 50th anniversary color scheme for a chosen product range plus a special edition album with great music. 😉

[@stevenholquin2127]

Hey Paul I Have a Rotelli Absolute Zero Phase Button on My DAC That I Have Never Used Will This Absolute Phase Button Put Me in Absolute Zero Because i Want To Know ?

[@stephenchen1420]

conrad-johnson had a phase inverting input for CD. One of my hi-fi friends claims to be able to hear absolute polarity.

[@LoaiHaleem]

I Love music... i have crap setup. But now i saved 1000 usd. What you recommend to buy monitor and interface. Loai from jordan

[@janinapalmer8368]

OMG 😮... this is really getting down to the wire ..!

[@medonk12rs]

As Paul says, it's audible with percussive instruments. Other than that... hard. At least for me. And no, I didn't do blind tests... Now, waiting for the ABX-police to comment. :p

[@spacemissing]

The form of the wave, Not its polarity, is what makes it recognizable.

[@howardskeivys4184]

For the 50th anniversary, how about reducing all prices by 50%?

[@cesarjlisboa7586]

Áudio phase, influenced on auditions fatigue. This is it. It’s barely noticeable.

[@banginghats2]

I've always thought that it shouldn't make a difference on mid to high frequencies, but at the low end I thought that transients would make a difference if the cone was sucking instead of blowing on the edge of the note.

[@opporknockitytoots]

This makes sense intuitively, but in my system with my ears, the difference is in the upper midrange and treble.

[@banginghats2]

@@opporknockitytoots That's a good idea too, because phase shifts give spatial information in a stereo system. I honestly don't know if theres a definitive answer to this.

[@kautkascitadaks]

For 50th anniversary could do a smal hifi party, with your newest gear to listen to.

[@craigellsworth3952]

Is Clarke Johnson still around to comment?

[@craigellsworth3952]

Paul, how old were you when you started the company? Like 12 or 13?

[@gilesdavis6345]

If the mic is above the cymbals or drums the phase is inverted already. Presuming you hit down on them. Oh dear.

[@adrianadrianp5305]

But when integrating subs and low frequencies phase absolutely matters ?

[@danab7472]

Fifty years calls for a considerable party.

[@Jorge-Fernandez-Lopez]

A "Forêt Noire" cake -delicious-, a candle and the workers, would be nice for the 50th anniversary.

[@onnonugteren2935]

Only make a celebration big if you like to. It's no obligation. Simple as that? No. Your personal. Let it be organised by someone and don't bother to much, just enjoy the ... obligation. 🙂 Onno Nugteren the Netherlands.

[@Mark-lq3sb]

50th celebration... Charity raffle for a pair of BHK 600 mono blocks. Oh, did I mention they would make an excellent match with my BHK preamp. Come-on! You can do it! Tax deductible!

[@Rowuk2024]

I do not believe that absolute polarity is audible for musical signals. Bass instruments do not develop the full resonance quick enough to matter. Now with electronic music, it could be possible.

[@tacofortgens3471]

50th anniversiry limited edition PS Audio Product

[@stimpy1226]

Anyone that can’t hear what an inverted phase does to the signal then I think you should not be an audio enthusiast. In almost every case it is so obvious. It’s a ridiculous proposition.

[@a.o.424]

Congratulations on 50 years! Consider offering some of your products in a limited edition gold finish, and/or emboss the products with a 50 year decoration.

[@biketech60]

For your 50th anniversary . Your 1st product in 1974 was a stand-alone phono preamp for $59.95 . Adjusted for inflation in todays Dollar that would be approximately $ 385.00 . I know your current phono preamp is your best , but at three thousand Dollars it's unaffordable to beginners with a $ 800 turntable . How about marketing the best phono preamp under $400.00 ? Draw in customers not able to afford the very best you can do regardless of cost !! Back to the future ?

[@ThinkingBetter]

I tried to convince myself I could hear absolute phase, but I've failed in actual blind test.

[@josephbouley-on4is]

How about a 50% off sale? 😉

[@stevefisher8323]

If you A-B this scenario, that's the real test.

[@vinylchallenge5572]

a party for all & former employees is a start, i'd say ;)

[@Rowuk2024]

If you have an inverting DAC and a turntable, reverse the speakers and phono cartridge and your world is saved.

[@rick-c6s]

Congrats on 50 years

[@davidrippy1605]

Hey Paul, how about a quality 50th year T-shirt and baseball cap?

[@InsideOfMyOwnMind]

THIS

[@esthernastia]

Upon any purchases of $50k and above......😅

[@razisn]

In any case who guarantees that the recording is in the correct polarity? Who even guarantees that all tracks in a multitrack recording are in the same polarity. I'll tell you who, no-one.

[@InsideOfMyOwnMind]

With all the phase flipping, multiprocessor, DSP, Alabama methamphetamine holy crap shenanigans that music is put through it's a wonder we can tell when relative phase is correct much less absolute.

[@hamidrezahabibi8111]

Nobody. That’s always what I have said.

[@robertdecrock4038]

Love you man 😅

[@NoEgg4u]

Paul, your Aesthetix Calypso pre-amp has a phase button on the console, and also on the remote. You can A/B the phase change in real time, from your seated position. Also, I doubt that Jim White would include that phase flip feature on his design, if no one could hear songs that were recorded out of phase.

[@stimpy1226]

One less stage is more than likely why they designed it that way. My audible illusions preamp was designed the exact same way to avoid an additional stage that could lessen the musicality that it was capable of. I am writing this before Paul said the same thing.

[@derekrushe]

You need to stop talking about phase and polarity like they're the same thing. They aren't.

[@davidstevens7809]

180 out of phase is the same as reverse polarity.. phase can be discussed in degrees.

[@derekrushe]

@davidstevens7809 that's true, but only in this instance. Phase refers to time while polarity is just the difference between a positive or negative signal.

[@l.ralphmellon1716]

For PS Audio’s 50th anniversary, maybe a PS Audio speaker setup app (as I wrote to you about a few weeks back) with an Octave Records component.

[@stevenkoski228]

Play The Beatles Revolution #9 in reverse polarity🔊, & celebrate with a 6pk & a fist fight😳🤣🙈

[@alfa0mega74]

can someone help me PLEASE? -HUM/HiSS problem- when I pull out speaker cable (3.5mm to 2Rca) from speaker hum disappears. when connect to pc and playing any kind of music, hum disappears BUT when I stop the music after 5 seconds, hum instantly comes back. when I volume up, hum increases. I have been searching for a way to fix it for weeks. For dear God's sake someone help

[@alfa0mega74]

I tested with 2 laptops and 2 phones.