Why do some manufacturers reverse preamp polarity in the first place?


My Rogue RP-5 reverses polarity, so I switch the pos / neg at speaker terminals. The manual does not mention this, however, I wrote the company and they the amp does reverse the polarity. 

Now my question is...why? I would say 98% of buyers of this amp do not know to reverse the cable connections. I would say most reviewers did not as well. Yes, I realize, polarity reversal is not noticable in most instances. Especially, since many recordings are all over the place when it comes to polarity (at least that is what I've read).

So the question remains...why...why not just have the amp terminals set up so the buyer can just plug in as normal?
aberyclark

Showing 3 responses by atmasphere

We've had a polarity switch on our preamps since their inception. Changing speaker cables around is a real pain!
Its rare that the absolute polarity is audible- you need a purist recording that is done with only two mics.

50% of all recordings are in reverse polarity to begin with, since the recording industry does not pay any attention to this issue.
Over the years I find bass is the greatest offender.
I hear it more in the brass instruments.