Figure of 8

For question 2, I believe it is supposed to have something to do with phase alignment?

Something else I am a bit cynical about.

I personally felt that the figure of 8 gave a more in-phase presentation one way around compared to the other way. I tried this with the PSU1 of the Solo ULDE. The "incorrect" way seemed to upset the naturalness of the stereo image somewhat (yes, I am being honest and not talking complete bullsh*t). I don't think that it was just me imagining it. People who don't hear it probably aren't listening carefully enough or for long enough, don't yet have enough listening experience to understand what they're hearing or have let a closed mind make the conclusion instead of their ears. Now I wouldn't be sounding confrontational like this if I didn't genuinely believe that there is a difference to be heard; I'm convinced that it is something to do with phase fidelity but I do not understand the science that underpins it.

A lot of listeners don't seem to echo my conclusion of the phasing issue with the HD800 either so I guess that its just me?? Maybe people are focusing more on frequencies than they are on phase?? I dunno but I doubt this is just a coincidence. Maybe their listening transducer is simply not transparent/resolving enough for the phase difference to be heard clearly?? But if they're using something like a HD650, what do they expect??

Just my opinion; if you don't like it, please disregard it.

I'm also in agreement with Ash. It was enough of a difference to make me think something was wrong when I had to disconnect and then re-connect after decorating. I've now got a blob of pain on the plug to denote what way round it goes. Neutral at the top of the plug for me.