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Balance Control

ok...not sure what category to start this in so....here it goes.

i know balance control options are not widely available, at least from what I have seen.  However, with volume loss and damage to my right ear, I am looking for a way to adjust, offset, some of that loss.

To keep what i have simple and relevant, I run a Hegel 190v, a few years old, newer model.  Monitor silver series speakers and an Audeze MM-500 headphones.  Also run a pair of Lokius - table and cd

Of note, I like the Hegel, but not sure it is the absolute best  to pair with the Silvers or vica-versa...so these might or could change over time, in no rush as happy enough and the EQ takes edges off when needed.

75% of the time i am using the headphones.  No dedicated listening room and a lot of later night listening....plus i like it.

So, looking for the collective wisdom of this place to give me possible solutions, options, possibilities, recommended units and such.  I have come up with either replacing the Hegel with a unit with balance control - or with a unit with separate left and right channel volume control - or since i listen mostly to headphones, a headphone amp that can do the same..and just suck it up for now on the speakers.  However, not sure about so much as to what is out there.

This is not something i need to do immediate but looking to map a plan so to speak. Gather input. Trying to avoid doing one thing only to change to another. 

I truly appreciate any input as reading this forum has help over the years.
 

kinglek
mitch2
4,731 posts
 

“balance control options are not widely available”

While some manufacturers do not provide balance controls, my experience is that they are certainly available as I have them on three preamps, all accessible either on the unit or through the remote control.  You also have the option of finding a dual-mono preamp with dual volume controls.

If your situation is consistent and always on the same side, it seems a solution might be to permanently cut the output on the “good” side to match the other side. For that case, you might try a single Rothwell attenuator on one channel. They are typically -10 dB.  Otherwise, you could contact folks like Marchand or maybe Goldpoint, and ask if they have any suggested solutions.

Good luck

yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
6,181 posts
 

Check out Luxman. All of their integrated amps have a balance control!

https://www.luxman.com/

hasmarto's avatar
hasmarto
252 posts
 

I don't represent the collective wisdom of this place, but based on my experience, I would recommend a good integrated (unless you want to go separates), something like an Accuphase or Luxman. Once you have something with balance control, you'll understand what you're missing. I have four preamps, and three of them have balance control, and three of them have also have tone controls. Just love them.

 

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