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Channel Imbalance Mystery

I’ve been experiencing a channel imbalance for awhile now that I cannot seem to solve. I’m only running a turn table so I cannot troubleshoot with a digital source. I have ruled out the TT and cart as the problem because I had it tested in another system and it sounds great there. I’m running a Herron VTPH-2A phono pre into a Cronus Magnum II integrated amp with brand new KT120 power tubes. (The imbalance was present with older power tubes too). My channel imbalance is left leaning. When I swap the tt inputs into the Herron preamp the imbalance is fixed. Vocals are dead center but my stereo orientation is flipped. No problem, just swap my preamp outputs to get me back to the correct channel orientation but doing so shifts the center image back to the left a bit but soundstage is correct. It’s not nearly as bad as when my tt inputs were in the correct L/R positions. What the hell is causing this?! I’ve tried different interconnect cables with the same results so I don’t think it’s a cable issue. Could it be unmatched signal tubes in the Herron? Signal tubes in the integrated? Super frustrated. Thanks for any help. 
paulgardner
elliottbnewcombjr
5,173 posts
 
This will solve things until you ascertain what is going on. Gives you remote balance as well as remote volume.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/234116696552?hash=item36827149e8:g:FOsAAOSwhNlgmIqc

Then, after you 'fix' whatever is going on, you have it, it is noise free 120db s/n and neither I or my friends can hear whether it is in or out of my systems.

I love having remote balance from my listening position for the few tracks that need a balance tweak. A small adjustment can make a large difference, so much ’opens up’ when the balance is spot on.

It also has automatic ’Loudness’, progressively engaged ONLY for low volume listening, the primary benefit is retaining bass presence, a big part of maintaining involvement at low level listening for me.


paulgardner OP
183 posts
 
@mijostyn it’s not room acoustics. There was a time when I had beautiful channel balance in this same room with the same system. It’s gotta be the tubes or something else. 
sns
3,003 posts
 
May be tube related or not. It may also be a recording issue, I hear many early stereo and some mono recordings have left of center bias. Sometimes this is intended bias created by engineers/producers, other times poor remastering and or duplication.
What about your ears, ear wax can cause this, or maybe some other reason for loss of hearing.
ghdprentice
6,383 posts
 
I find a little logic and a very few minutes of swapping tubes sufficient to identify tube issues. For instance I had a channel a bit weak not that long ago (new equipment). I reseated the tubes and it went away… 15 seconds of work.

Also, I noticed the Tung-sol site basically says the best way to test a tube is in the equipment. There are all sorts of testers and none really guarantee performance in the equipment.

Although I am attracted to instruments (I have 4 pollution sensors). I admit I am lazy and don’t want more junk around the house when it comes to audio. 

http://www.tungsol.com/html/faqs7.html


tablejockey
3,778 posts
 
"With tube equipment, it's almost always the tubes. Always the first thing to check."

Hmm...
I don't know about that. . Tubes are easy to check as the first thing, that's about it. Reseating sometimes works wonders.

Talk to some old timers who work with tubes, they're the LAST thing as suspect. Tubes powered WWII. They generally are fool proof. 

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