Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Technical Questions speaker phase

Greetings all! I have currently several different manufacturers represented in my HT setup (until I can get myself an Axiom "sweet" of speakers). I am curious if there is any (easy) way to check if all the speakers are in proper phase, or if it really makes a difference? I've observed the correct red/black color connections on both ends -- speakers and amplifier -- but with the different manufacturers, I'm wondering if there is a standard way to set the phase to the colors on the posts? Any ideas?
Thanks for your input.

There are test DVD's out there that let you test that.

If your speakers are out of phase, the sound will be very hard to localize.

I use the Avia HT DVD. I'm sure other members have some other free alternatives out there. Some DVD's have a THX optimizer on them.

If you have a copy of DVE (Digital Video Essentials), it has a test that will show if your speakers are in phase. If you don't have it, and are interested, do a Google search and you can find it on the internet for up to $10 less than list price.

Thanks for the suggestion. Do I need a microphone somewhere in this setup?

Nope.

It's really easy to hear if they are in phase or not during the test.

When the speakers are in phase the sound is very directional. Out of phase, and the sound seems to come from everywhere. A bit disorienting. Very easy to tell by ear.

Yep. When the speakers are in phase, it sounds like the test signal is "in the middle" of whatever speakers you are checking. When the speakers are out of phase, it sounds as if the test signals are out beyond the speakers with a "hole in the middle".

Normally the test starts by checking that your mains are in phase, then tests other speakers against the mains, then confirms with a few other combinations like "just surrounds".

I guess I'm a little confused by your question, red is red, black is black, positive (+) is usually associated with red, and negative (-) associated with black. Just like the jumper terminals on a car battery. I would not buy a Calibration CD, just to check for polarity, would be a waste of money. Speaker wire can also be purchased with a color strip on on side, so it is easy to make sure you have everything hooked up right.

there are phase tests on most dvd's that are THX ie starwars

I KNOW the wire is correct as far as polarity / phase goes. My point was, since the speakers come from different manufacturers, do they have a STANDARD way to mark the colors that will positively assure correct polarity throughout the 7 or 8 speakers? That's why I was looking for a test of sorts.

I'll have to check my Starwars dvds for the test mentioned in snakeyes post.