Channel Balance on Dynavector XV1-S


Hoping I can get some advice. I have a XV1s on a Basis Vector 4 arm. I just borrowed a Fozgometer and I'm getting very different reading from the 2 channels.
-I downloaded and tested the Foz and it seems to be calibrated correctly.The Vector 4 azimuth adjustment is extremely precise and refined, like all things Basis, so I'm pretty sure that the arm is good and the Azimuth is correct.
-No matter how much I changed the azimuth, the balance/imbalance stayed the same (same levels as well), about a 5 reading for L and about 7-7.5 R with the tonearm cables running directly into the Foz and 14.5L and 19R with the Foz plugged into my ARC Ref 5 SE Phono Preamp. By deduction it would seem that it's either the cart or a tube(s) in the phono pre. Any insight or advice will be really appreciated.
moryoga

Showing 3 responses by moryoga

Thanks very much for all your responses. I tried switching the cart tonearm cable connectors from R to L and sure enough the discrepancy moved sides which means it's the cart and not the phono pre. There was a 15-20% difference in output and to me that warrants a repair.

Hessec, I have the Hi-Fi News test lp, on which tracks 3 and 4 are the Channel Balance tracks. I'm using the Basis Vector Alignment Jig and have used it to the best of my not totally incompetent ability (no snark intended). The anti-skate is set with an lp that had a large grooveless section.
Larryi, I'm curious about your statement about a balance control. If all the links in the line are properly balanced and working correctly wouldn't the final balance be correct, and therefore wouldn't using a balance control just be glossing over a problem as well as being more resistors in the line?

Either way, the cart is pretty clearly in need of repair so off it goes and I'll deal with a pretty compromised setup for 4-6 weeks.
Thanks Dinster. This process stated because there was an obvious sound difference between the 2 channels.
The plot has also thickened in that I packed up the xv1s for shipping to repair and put on my old Dynavector 20x on as a fill in cart and wound up getting the exact same readings. I took the phono pre out of the loop. I figure there's only a few options left. Since the signal issue changes evenly when I change the tonearm wires on the cart pins from L to R, I think that this rules out the Foz and the test LP as variables. I either have 2 carts that have the exact same balance issue with the exact same output values or there's something going on with the tonearm wiring. I called Technetron NYC and asked for some advice and they said it's highly unlikely that the tonearm wire is the issue as they thought with wires it will either work or not. As unlikely as it seems, I might have 2 carts with the same issue. I'm going to make an appointment to bring the carts and tonearm to them to have it tested professionally as I'm obviously out of ideas and in over my head with figuring it out.
If anyone can point out a gap in my methodology, please point it out.

In somewhat careless fashion, I failed to do a pretty obvious test:

Using the Hi-Fi News test LP track 4 (L Channel, -20db, 25 sec.) Tonearm cables directly into Foz with L to L and R to R, get reading.
Switch L cable to R input Foz R cable to L inout, same reading.

Using Test LP Track 5 (R channel, -20db, 25sec.) Tonearm cables back to R to R, L to L, reading 20% lower than track 4. Same with L to R, R to L.

It seems Track 4 is putting out a 20% stronger signal. So,

Using a db app on a smart phone ( I know it's not the most accurate testing device, but it seems to register in tenths of a db) Play Track 4 L channel, through speakers for 25 seconds, get average reading. Track 5 R channel, which I expected to be 20% less, SAME READING! UGH!

Totally baffled.

Played Cannonball Adderley lp, tried to forget about everything for a little while :)