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Channel Imbalance at low volumes

Hi guys!

I got a sweet sounding NAD 7175PE the other day! It sounds rad at high volumes, however, at low volumes a significant channel imbalance appears. The left channel becomes MUCH dimmer than the right. The problem exists while using either the A or B terminals, but it also flips sides if I swap the left and right speakers, so it's not the speakers or speaker wires. Interestingly, the "A+B" speaker selection produces no sound for some reason. Not sure if that gives any clue as to the cause. Anyone know what's wrong? Thanks!
leemaze
arh
366 posts
 
Everybody posting here is correct. The highest probability is the volume pot. I would clean it first and if that doesn't work replace it. If that doesn't work then you need to take it to a good technition
Alan
psag
517 posts
 
You may want to get an audiogram, to rule out a hearing imbalance. Recruitment occurs at higher volume levels.
imhififan's avatar
imhififan
2,108 posts
 
You may want to get an audiogram, to rule out a hearing imbalance. Recruitment occurs at higher volume levels.
Or use headphones and see if the problem still exists
kalali's avatar
kalali
1,977 posts
 
Only listen at higher volumes... problem solved.
robertoherrera's avatar
robertoherrera
2 posts
 
Hello from Costa Rica. 
Your problem is the potentiometer of the volume control.   At low level, the left channel, due to its age, had became more resistive than the other channel.  You must change the pot, and that's it.  You can measure the resistance at any point, the left channel should be equal to the right channel or very close.  Usually the tracking balance is +-1.5dB between channels when it is correct for the type of integrated amplifier that you have. 
If you want to do an updated, you could use a step attenuator:


Happy listening!
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