Do I have a "balance" problem?


My system is in a dedicated room, 13 x 12.5 x 8.5, with one chair centered between the speakers. The speakers are several feet away from the front and side walls. I've treated the room, including absorption panels to deal with first reflections. Here's my issue: to get proper L/R imaging, I have to set the balance control in favor of the right channel somewhere between (depending on the recording) 1:00 and 2:30 on the dial. My system has always been this way and the issue is consistent with both LP and CD playback. I recently auditioned three line stages and each one required the balance control set to the right. By way of "troubleshooting," I've switched tubes, cleaned all contacts, and systematically switched L/R cables on each pair of interconnects one at a time. Nothing changes. There is no degradation of sound in the right channel (at least to my ears) and when the balance is set properly the music sounds great. But I just don't understand why the balance control needs to be set so far to the right. Does anyone else out there have a similar situation? Is there something "wrong" with my system? Thanks in advance for your thoughts.
crazee01

Showing 1 response by tomcy6

Using your balance control is not a major problem. Manufacturers, including many of the big names, put balance controls on their preamps because your situation is fairly common. No harm is done if you have to set your balance control a little right (I'm sure someone will disagree with that).

If you can get a nicely centered image by moving your speakers around, fine, but I wouldn't tear out any walls or anything like that.