Balance knob ..


So I'd say I've been a budget audiophile for 40+ years. Used to sell audio at Audio Warehouse in Cincinnati in the '80s. Currently I have a pretty big room with 12' ceilings, but different open areas behind each of the Maggie 1.7is and the Emotiva BASX 10" subs behind each. All driven by an Emotiva XPA-2 Gen3 and old CJ PV-10AL preamp. Listening mostly through a Bluesound Node 2i. CD player is a Panasonic Aventage BD1060 disc player. I have the sound, honestly, pretty damn great. But I am realizing a bit of bias to the left speaker. I think this is because that speaker has a lot space behind and to the side whilst the right has less and more complicated space behind and a closer side wall. 

I have always been told - and believed - that you shouldn't ever mess with the balance knob. But if the sound is a bit UNbalanced isn't that what it's for? Just to "balance" the output? But then I think with more signal going to the channel that the knob is turned to - which will screw-up imaging, soundstage, depth, etc., no? 

I am kinda stuck cuz I can't move the speakers or have a dedicated listening room. 

Thoughts? 
jkf011

Showing 3 responses by noromance

@big_greg But your scenario is not the same as the OP's primary system. I don't know about you but my speakers are aligned for imaging to 1/8 inch.
As the SO is calling the shots, when she's not around move the speakers out one inch from the front wall every night before retiring. Hopefully she won't notice. In a few weeks, you're golden.
Move some stuff from behind the right speaker to behind the left speaker. That way both sides will be equally compromised. Seriously, would a mix of bass traps and room treatments/reflectors behind both speakers help. Maybe pull the speakers a few feet further into the room.