Ralph, I respectfully disagree.
Well over 2 decades ago I learned 2 things (that were only accessible at a reasonable price from PS Audio), things that should be universal if a product is to be called ’High END"
* differentially balanced AND
* either the preamp or dac has remote Polarity control
Individual songs on discs have long been mastered in various facilities, moreso on Greatest Hits, but still. Most of the time "I" have no problem hearing when polarity is in/out. Over the years I find bass is the greatest offender. When it’s out the music lacks clarity, space is more homogeneous, loses the speed of the initial attack
Well over 2 decades ago I learned 2 things (that were only accessible at a reasonable price from PS Audio), things that should be universal if a product is to be called ’High END"
* differentially balanced AND
* either the preamp or dac has remote Polarity control
Individual songs on discs have long been mastered in various facilities, moreso on Greatest Hits, but still. Most of the time "I" have no problem hearing when polarity is in/out. Over the years I find bass is the greatest offender. When it’s out the music lacks clarity, space is more homogeneous, loses the speed of the initial attack