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Amp phase control switch

Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Car Audio
Forum Discription: Car Stereos, Amplifiers, Crossovers, Processors, Speakers, Subwoofers, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=89151
Printed Date: March 28, 2024 at 10:36 AM


Topic: Amp phase control switch

Posted By: 90s civ and sub
Subject: Amp phase control switch
Date Posted: January 18, 2007 at 10:25 AM

Well, I've searched past threads and have found no difinitive answers, which brings me to the 12volt's "Think tank".

What does a phase control switch on the amp do?  Does it simply reverse polarity of speaker leads, electronically, or can it be used to help remedy phase cancellation problems (i.e. ports on an opposite plane from the sub, sub positioning cancellation problems etc).

I'm trying to determine the positioning of my sub box in relation to the tailgate of my Suburban.  I've heard and read that facing the subs toward the tailgate, with the enclosure "close" (no closer than 1 port width) to the tailgate offers the best, in-vehicle bass, with minimal cancellation vs. the same enclosure positioned at the back of my 3rd row seat (apx 2' away from the tailgate).  Thanks in advance, gents.  Any help will be appreciated.



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90 Civic DX Hatchback- 135 amp alternator
92 Suburban - 200 amp alternator

Stereo rebirth, coming soon. . . .



Replies:

Posted By: swerve
Date Posted: January 18, 2007 at 10:49 AM
if it is just a switch it should reverse the polarity, if it is a pot then it acts kinda like an adjustable delay so you can adjust up to 180 degrees of the waveform, this would allow to combat slight cancellation problems but not poor placement or design of your box

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git yer swerve on!




Posted By: stevdart
Date Posted: January 18, 2007 at 10:19 PM
I agree. Good answer, swerve. The switch in question simply reverses polarity, but that reversal of polarity CAN help remedy cancellation problems with other speakers in your system. For example, the fronts mids which share some higher sub/lower mid cycles with the sub. But as swerve said, it won't fix design deficencies within the sub itself.

If you can possibly design your box so that you have placement options, do so. Experimentation of placement is the key to success in every install.

And to add: EVERY sub should be tried with the switch in both polarities after final positioning. One will sound better than the other to the person in the driver's seat, so use that position.

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Build the box so that it performs well in the worst case scenario and, in return, it will reward you at all times.




Posted By: 90s civ and sub
Date Posted: January 19, 2007 at 11:05 AM
Thanks for the help, guys!

-------------
90 Civic DX Hatchback- 135 amp alternator
92 Suburban - 200 amp alternator

Stereo rebirth, coming soon. . . .





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