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.

kinglek02-24-2026 6:50pm

...
41 posts total
View entire discussion

elliottbnewcombjr Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 7,794 posts 02-28-2026 at 05:54pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete @mitch2 I know ’less is more’, ’straight wire with gain’, which is why I keep removing/re-inserting the Chase unit to prove it changes nothing, just adds it’s features. Friends help confirm this. Hard to believe, I know. Soon we will learn what OP experiences. The Chase is mostly in a single Philips chip, I add a toggle switch to the face panel, so I can reset to defaults easily. That was about to happen to this one. OP, I have extra toggle switches that fit, you just drill a hole (2 layers of metal) and splice the switch in before the power supply, wire nuts or bullet crimps. I've done 3 of these. Send me a private message, I'll mail you one or two assuming I can find them. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BVB9D27N?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_4 I was just telling 2 audiophile friends while listening last night, it’s also hard to believe that my dining room table is not a problem. A few times over the years, I have moved it out, put a carpet on the bare wood floor, my system and importantly the imaging is the same. It’s all Phantom. Even when we put the little Christmas Tree on it, IF you are used to ignoring what you see and just listen, the Imaging is the same. And, it is hard for me to believe these speaker cabinets, without internal bracing, do not vibrate, the tops are slanted and none of Donna’s stuff slides off either. Those 15" woofers have huge magnets, they weigh 37 lbs each, it ought to, but nope. Purist thoughts, ideal, all make sense, but ....... Last night I changed the Toe-In to Crossfield, for two OFF-CENTER listeners, both heard enjoyable imaging https://www.audiogon.com/systems/11516
mitch2 Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 4,749 posts 02-28-2026 at 05:59pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Got it. Sorry for my confusion. With an integrated, you would indeed need them on the input side, one for the attenuated channel on each input.
lanx0003 Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 1,955 posts 02-28-2026 at 08:12pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete @elliottbnewcombjr They have 3in/2out design too. You could mix rca and xlr as well. The thing is this design does not come with remote. Attenuators seems limited to 48 steps only. https://khozmo.com/product/dualmono-with-input-selector-rca-or-xlr/ Nevertheless, for the other 1in/2out design, you might want to contact them to see if they could customize it as 2in/1out, add a switch in the back for input selection... You never know.
elliottbnewcombjr Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 7,794 posts 02-28-2026 at 09:28pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete @lanx0003 Khozmo certainly appear and I imagine would feel superior, the Chase does not come off as cheap, but not special, clever might be it's best adjective. however, remote balance from your listening position, that is special, I am spoiled and have one in 3 systems. my friends who have gotten them agree, damn thing does it's job undetectably. my best use is adding all the remote features to my non-remote but otherwise full featured Vintage McIntosh mx110z Tube Tuner/Preamp.
kinglek OP Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 14 posts 03-06-2026 at 11:39pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete @elliottbnewcombjr just a quick update - the unit has arrive...it could be a week to three or four before i have time to sit with it....much outdoor stuff this time of year to do as i grow a good bit. But it looks great...look forward to the time to get it up and running.....maybe some rainy spring days ahead. And will update then again...let ya know what i think.