Reversing AC polarity

[Jerome W]

Hello folks, I have a few questions for you.

1/ I do not know how it is in the US, but in France, it is not rare to find wall AC plugs not wired correctly. The hot point is on left instead of being on the right. Hence my first question : do you test your plugs or do you try both options on your hifi system ?

2/ what kind of sonic differences do you hear between coorect AC polarity and reversed one ?
I was able to play easily with that today because I am trying a Shindo Mr. T power isolation transformer and it is easy to reverse the plugs. What I found is that in one position of the plug ( I presume the correct in phase one), the dynamics are highly increased, and the bandwidth of the spectrum too. The music seems much more alive and "loud" while the volume knob was untouched. In the other position, which I presume is reversed polarity, the sound is much more "relaxed" and laid back. Actually not "inferior". Just an other listening option. Amazing no ? Please share your experiences. Thanks !!

 

[wisnon]

From Sbooster.com
See page 2.


https://www.sbooster.com/images/BOTWS Manual NL & EN.pdf

Tip for a maximum sound quality improvement*

The performance of the Best of Two Worlds Solution can

be influenced by how you “connect” the mains plug into

your AC outlet.
Note: test not necessary for UK models.

In the figure below we are going to show you how your

Best of Two Worlds Solution can be connected "phase

correct" to the AC outlet. For the determination of the

magnetic field of the transformer, you have to use a

multimeter. You have to select AC “auto-ranging” or a

low AC range on your multimeter.
[FONT=TimesNewRoman,BoldItalic][FONT=TimesNewRoman,BoldItalic]Connection to the AC outlet with the highest


magnetic field of the transformer


1) Place the test probes of your multimeter as


shown in the picture above;


2) Plug the Best of Two Worlds Solution in your


AC outlet, without an audio device connected


to the Power Supply. Keep your hands not to


close to the Best of Two Worlds Solution, this


will affect the magnetic field and your test


result;


3) Read the value on your multimeter and turn the


plug in your AC outlet the other way around;


4) Select the AC outlet connection in which the


value is the lowest.


Note: The values shown in the figure are indicative


values and your test will results in a different “higher”


and “lower” value then shown in the picture.


* The magnetic field can affect the sound quality


improvement, but does not affect the correct functioning


and/or life time of the Best of Two Worlds Solution.


You can run this test at any time you prefer.
[/FONT][/FONT]

 

[CPP]

Oh No don't cross the streams, No, sorry couldn't resist. A old friend reversed his AC polarity and got shocked and his hand went numb for weeks.