Channel Balance on Dynavector XV1-S

Hi Moryoga: Changing the azimuth will affect the channel crosstalk, but will not accomplish much for the channel balance. A difference in channel output levels (balance) is better addressed with separate channel gain controls in either the MC headamp (if that is what you use), a phono equalizer (if that is what you use), or the line preamp (but this would entail different settings for analog and digital sources). Barring separate gain controls, the cartridge manufacturer may have to readjust (or even rebuild) the cartridge.

At any rate, could you verify that you have checked the channel balance under the following two conditions?

1. Switch the channels at the tonearm cable output connectors, and check the channel imbalance.

If this flips the channel imbalance, both the cartridge and the tonearm wiring or connector contacts are suspect.

2. Put back the tonearm cable output connectors, then switch the channels at the headshell lead clips, and check the channel imbalance again.

If this causes the channel imbalance to flip, the tonearm cable, internal wiring and connectors are innocent, but the cartridge (including the condition of its output pins) needs investigation.

It is a good idea to periodically clean every electrical contact in the tonearm system, including the cartridge output pins, the headshell lead clips, and the tonearm output cable.

hth, jonathan