Phase inverting preamps

Bowbow, I understood what you posted and I agree except for the part about DC current. You are right that it does not feed current in both directions at the same time. The current is AC, it alternates. First it flows in one direction and then the other. The rate at which it changes direction is called the frequency. Polarity has to do with which direction it starts.

However, the statement "If you reverse your speaker cables that sound is not in phase. You are hearing an out of phase sound, out of phase" is an excellent example of the point I was trying to make earlier about the misuse of these terms.

It should read: "If you reverse your speaker cables that signal will have it's polarity inverted. You are hearing an out of phase sound with incorrect polarity." I agree that this may end up sounding worse.

I know that some of you are saying enough already, what difference does it make? Well, it makes a huge difference if you are trying to understand what is going on in your system. If I think the woofer is the little speaker and the tweeter is the big one, then we are going to have a very confused conversation about speakers. If you do not understand what polarity means, then how can you hope to determine if your system polarity is correct? On the bright side, you have a 50/50 chance no matter what you do.

Thanks to all. The intent of my original post was to determine what need be done to account for the "inverse phasing" of a preamp (subsequently clarified to note that what they should REALLY say is reversed polarity). And, I now know that the connections at the speaker posts should be reversed. That being said, I have also appreciated the more in depth discussion of the difference between phasing and polarity. While I knew there was a difference I have enjoyed hearing the nuances of the differences and the reality of inconsistencies within recording mediums.

It never hurts to go into more detail, as long as you know what you're talking about! Those who find it boring or something they already know can easily click to the next topic. :-)

Herman, I think we all including Sugarbrie agree; it is just a matter of terminology. I have a Conrad Johnson preamp and in the owners manual CJ uses the term phase inversion, not polarity to describe reversing the speaker wires. So even the manufacturers interchange the two terms.

Yes, I agree with both of you (Herman and Bowbow). It is just terminology.

Ok, you guys are right. If major manufacturers like CJ don't use the term correctly, it silly of me to think that I could have any impact. Don Quixote, windmills, that sort of thing.

On second thought, it has always bothered me that the weatherman on TV always says when the sun will rise and set when we all know that it doesn't really rise, it is the rotation of the earth that causes this apparent motion. I better give him a call.