Please Help Me Understrand "Phase" Control


I have a "phase" button on the remote for my 2 channel integrated amp.  I have not cross wired the speakers so I assume that they are in phase with each other.  When I push the button to change "phase" on the amp, a signal light comes on the front panel so I know that it is either this or that, and I assume no light is the default position. It is on or off, not variable. There is no explanation of this function in the operator's manual. When the light is on, the sound is noticeably better;  a bit crisper both in the highs and in the sound stage separation.  So, what is happening when I change "phase" on the amp?
larstusor

Showing 1 response by elizabeth

Confusion over ’out of phase’ (which is ONE, and one only, speaker out of phase with the other one)...
And "Phase" where the signal can be ’as original in real organic space and place" or REVERSED, an oddity of electrical amplification, because every electrical amplification ’stage’ reverses the electrical PHASE polarity. every time ... So odd numbers total leave the end result reversed, and even total numbers have the original phase remaining. Your switch is for the second sort, only.      
It is very common for recordings to be easily either correct overall phase, or reversed phase. (most commercial recording studios take no concern over this at all. Only a few audiophile labels care about overall phase)
Some folks can hear the results of inverted phase easily. Other cannot hear it at all. I think it is partly a matter of training to hear it, partly a matter of having equipment that allows you to hear the subtle differences, and recordings good enough and having a coherent phase to start with. (some/most! Rock multi track the phase can be mixed up in multiple differences all in one album, due to various tricks and changes made to individual tracks during editing).
So if you hear it great news.. good ears. One thing is, it may change for different recordings. Or, it may be your electronics in general sound better one way or the other. Still not a problem. enjoy!