[jeffkad]

I have a decent HT setup: B&W 803N's, HTM1, etc, with Sunfire TGA5200 (200/400 into 8/4ohms), Sunfire TGP5 pre/pro, and modded (by The Upgrade Co) Denon 3930ci.  Sounds really good, but have upgraditis regarding 2 channel aspect.  So now I'm thinking of adding Nuforce 9v2se for mains, and a tube pre with HT Bypass like the SWL (to be fair, other options incl Aesthetix, Dodd, RWA, or possibly try smooth SS pre).  However, on another board, I was told that the SWL "inverts phase", and that this needs to be switched when going from HT to 2 channel.  OK, I admit, I have no idea what this means, if it's true, and how to do it.  But, I do prefer simplicity and would like to NOT have to do anything to play through HT Bypass.  Can someone please help me understand? (and please comment on my upgrade path if you'd like!)  Thanks much...Jeff

[ted_b]

Jeff,
Yes, Dan's first preamp, the SWL 9.0SE does invert phase on the outputs (but not through the HT Bypass).  When i owned the piece (now own his newer 36/5 which does not invert, unless you do it via remote, an option) I once cared about it, but frankly you would be hard pressed to notice in an HT multichannel world at all.  It's not like the signal is out of phase (i.e cloudy center images, etc) it is in absolute reverse phase.  My recommendation: reverse the both left and right speaker leads (red to black, black to red) at either the amp or speakers (not both the amps AND speakers).  That way your 2 channel listening will be in correct absolute phase (for a majority of music; remember now, the phase button on other preamps is to enact that phase reversal for those that hear the subtle changes in music that was recorded in reverse phase anyway).  You will never notice it in multichannel.  Your timing errors and phase issues involving distances of center and mains from your ears will be more than the effects of absolute phase...which is to say, minimal.

Your upgrade plans are solid.  A good 2 channel pre is always a better solution (sonically) than relying on a multi-headed pre/pro for 2 channel sound.