2. analog
  3. 158351-29351

Right channel bias in analog setup

As an analog newbie, I’ve been fighting with my turntable setup for a while now and am raising my hand for some help please. I have an original VPI Scout with a new Denon 103R cartridge connected to a Denon AU-300LC step-up transformer. This is connected to a Sutherland 20/20 phono pre-amp, which is connected to a Mark Levinson 326S pre-amp/Levinson 436 monoblock/Wilson Audio Sasha output. For some reason, when I am playing records, there is an obvious right channel bias where imaging seems right of center, regardless of what record I’m playing. When I switch to digital sources such as my CD player (Levinson 390S) or streaming (Amazon Echo Link), with the same music, everything is centered as it should be. I assumed the problem was an azimuth setup problem as I've read that channel bias can be due to balance problems there. After trying different variations, I finally got the system to image correctly, but the arm/cartridge is ridiculously leaning to the left. I can't believe this is the correct setup and that it won't eventually hurt the records and/or the cartridge over time. Any suggestions/help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
henrus

Showing 1 response by cleeds

cleeds
6,111 posts
 
henrus

... I finally got the system to image correctly, but the arm/cartridge is ridiculously leaning to the left. I can’t believe this is the correct setup ...
Obviously something is amiss.

While azimuth does have an affect on channel balance, so does horizontal tracking angle, and that’s something many users fail to properly align. Please tell us what tools you’re using, and how you’re using them, to align this cartridge.

I’d also experiment with reversing the left and right inputs to your phono stage and see if the problem jumps channels. If it doesn’t, you know the problem is in your phono stage. Improper anitskate can also affect channel balance.

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