Thanks everyone for your suggestions and comments. I agree that the best solution is to get the amp repaired properly, but am frankly discouraged.
The backstory is that a couple years ago, the right channel went out. I took it to a nearby electronics repair shop; don't think he had an emphasis on audio. He charged about $300 and a couple weeks to get it going again. It functioned well, sounded fine, except that the bias adjustment for the right channel didn't work anymore, which is to say that adjusting the pot didn't dim the light, which was how the bias was determined.
When the left channel went out, I was reluctant to take it back to him. So I took it to George Meyer Audio in L.A. Asked them to repair the left channel and get the right side bias adjustment feature working again.
They charged about $600, replaced several caps, filter caps, FETs. And the bias still didn't light.
I'd been using 4 KT120's, but wanted to use new ones. While I waited for them to arrive, I plugged in 8 6550's I used originally. One of them popped, blew the fuse on that side. After I replaced the fuse, received the new KT120's, I've had this issue with the uneven output. Am not suggesting its an issue with George Meyer's workmanship; but the bias adjustment issue (and the hour and a half drive to L.A.) have me reluctant to return it to them.
Don't know of another repair shop in So Cal.
Anyway, thanks for all your input. Jeff
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Agreed with the Audible Illusions units.
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sbrownnw
I’ve used Chase RLC-1 various ways in several systems over the years never experienced crosstalk, my friends who have them never mentioned it, perhaps because I/we typically use only 1 input (VCR it’s default selection).
Either via a tape or processor loop or pre out to RLC-1 out to Amp. Office, I’m just using it for remote power to save myself a short walk around the desk, let’s me put the Luxman Integrated at the far end, keeps the USB cord from my PC shorter and against the wall
Those Wharfedale speakers are gone to my son, I restored a pair of Vintage AR-2ax, but you can see the Chase RLC-1 below the left speaker. Luxman has remote volume, but not remote power, it’s switch stays in/on and the Chase simply gives me remote on/off.
I used to use a single self-powered sub with the Wharfedales, just to keep their 6-1/2" drivers from seeming small, no need for the sub with the AR-2ax, they have 10" woofers.
I highly recommend compact 3 way AR-2ax (especially if in/on a bookcase, they just fit, no ports) like my main system speakers, they have level controls for the tweeter and mid range, to adjust in whatever space they find themselves.
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I don’t understand why people are suggesting solutions to remedy a problem that any half decent tech should be able to fix?
@perkri
Good point, and I 100% agree, however OP seemed to be asking for volume control-based solutions.
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If it was working perfectly, I would still carry on about the benefits of REMOTE BALANCE, once you have it, you never want to live without it.
Chase Remote Line Controllers RLC-1 can be added in-line or thru a loop like tape or processor or via an alternate input.
I tried one of these units when they were new. While very transparent and resolving, there was a great deal of channel cross talk if you had more than one source connected. Plus there is a very cheap feel to these. Could be a decent solution if you could set and forget it in a processor or tape loop of an integrated amp instead of using as a true preamp with multiple sources connected.
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Fix it right. The RM9 is worth the effort.
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I have a Vacuum Tube Audio, aka tubes4hifi, SP 14 line stage. There are options when you order one, but mine has remote control volume, a master volume control, and separate trim pots for left and right channels. I like the sound a lot. It also has two outlets so biamping is easy. Highly recommended. I ordered mine with os Sylvania tubes.
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Um, it would seem like your amp was not repaired? It should be working properly. I don’t understand why people are suggesting solutions to remedy a problem that any half decent tech should be able to fix?
Send it back, and have them fix it properly.
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I have no clue if this idea works for you, but check out the Emotiva PT1 or PT2. Either one will give you a decent DAC, preamp, and pretty darned good balance control that can be set via the remote control for pretty accurate settings of channel balance. Neither are super cheap but for what they bring to the table are quite reasonable in cost and in performance. I love mine and If I ever need a second one, I won't hesitate to go that way.
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I have a Spatial Audio Lab Raven Preamplifier. Using the remote allowes for +/- on either chanell. Oh and it’s a beautiful PRE. Good luck.
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It sounds like your amp needs to be brought back to proper working order, whether by the shop that should have, or by another.
Khozmo makes beautiful products. Sadly their stepped attenuators won't fit in my space-constrained preamp. Neither will Goldpoint or DACT for that matter. Back to pots I guess 🙂
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If it was working perfectly, I would still carry on about the benefits of REMOTE BALANCE, once you have it, you never want to live without it.
Chase Remote Line Controllers RLC-1 can be added in-line or thru a loop like tape or processor or via an alternate input.
You get 1db steps of remote volume, balance, mute, treble, bass, as well as 4 selectable line in; two identical line out (front/rear identical from early 4 speaker with fader era).
You must have the remote, no controls on the unit, none with remote are listed now.
1st, buy the only remote listed, they all use the same one
Chase Remote KP-1, $30.
2nd, buy a unit that has no remote, but 1st have seller confirm all it’s lights blink red when plugged in (not guarranteed, but more than likely it’s ok). Zero noise, I just added a toggle power switch to this one to re-set it to it’s defaults.
You also get automatic and progressive bass boost as you enter very low listening levels which you may or may not like, IF you use it properly.
this old listing has good info and photos
https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649391586-chase-technologies-rlc1-remote-line-controller/images/1694269/
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"had my vintage Music Reference RM-9 repaired"
Well sort of... I would take it to a different shop for repair. There are a number of preamps with dual volume controls, but I don't think that is the solution you want.
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Aren’t you looking for a preamp with a balance control?
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Coincident Statement, active pre, 300B DHT, dual transformer based volume control. I'd get the Music Ref repaired.
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Khozmo in Poland makes passive preamps with dual mono volume controls using your choice of their very high quality ladder, shunt, or stepped attenuators. Remote controllable too.
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No, thought they were gone for good. Clicking on an old Music Reference link connects to some unrelated site in Indonesia.
Do you have a link? Thanks for the response.
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Have you spoken with Anthony Chipelo who now runs the old Music Reference? There is still one bad device in your amp.
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