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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
kinglek OP
15 posts
 

ok....yup, it took me this long to get it hooked up.  Spring is crazy here, business  as well as gardening (lots of veggies, plants and so on)..very little time for much else past spinning a few tunes now and again.  I am awful at finding time to do some things and i knew it would sit for a good bit.  But it is hooked up, in the rack and well...

Quick test - love it.

It certainly helps to adjust with the hearing loss in my right ear - a more proper balance, especially so without headphones.  It will now allow me to better enjoy listening without headphones and not have to move around the room.  Headphones up to now is 95% of my listening as the close proximity to the ear helps with separation.  And too, it will help there as well - hell my headphones cost near my speakers so should be fun as well.

I hear no added noise to mention.  Certainly the most cost effective way to do this  to balance hearing loss and for simple (slight) room adjustment.  Not sure why they just did not run the signal through without volume boost but it works. Threw me at first when i did not get any sound.  Look forward to giving it a good work out over the next few months.

Thanks you so much for the help and input - so appreciated!

elliottbnewcombjr
7,839 posts
 

OP,

I'm glad to hear that it worked out. Like I said, once you have it, you don't want to live without it.

mitch2
4,759 posts
 

Balance controls can be beneficial not only for those with hearing imbalances but also in unbalanced rooms where the sound waves are reinforced by walls or corners that are closer to one speaker than the other, and/or where one side of the room opens into a larger area.  I would no longer consider a preamp without the ability to independently adjust the volume of each channel (i.e., either a balance control or dual mono volume adjustment).

ghdprentice's avatar
ghdprentice
9,501 posts
 

 All the preamps and integrate amps I have ever owned have had balance controls. Good to know they don't. I find balance control to be occasionally useful.  

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