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Zyx R50 problem or not?

Hi all,

Need a help with my strange situation: I have Zyx Bloom R50H with Cinemag 1254, connected to EAR834P. The tonearm is TransFi Terminator. All was OK at the beginning, and suddenly the right channel become stronger then the left one. No distortion in the sound just the balance of the sound stage is more to the right. I have checked everything, cables, connectors,… all fine.

A friend of mine got me his Supex 900 cartridge, and all is fine. No problem with the channel imbalance. The same is with old Pickering  MM cartridge without the SUT, also no problem.

 

Then I gave the Zyx to my friend for the test, and, guess what, no channel imbalance in his system!?!?!?

HEEEEEEEEELP!!!

128x128gastronaut
gastronaut's avatar
gastronaut OP
10 posts
 

Swapped the connections on the back of the cartridge. The balance is now to the left. So I guess it is a cartridge!?

Example out  of many records: Bob Dylans Pat Garret &Billy the Kid soundtrack. Knocking on a heavens door. The background voices and Bob were on the right side of the stage. When I swapped the connections on the cartridge, they moved to the left.

uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz
13,381 posts
 
Strange then how it could sound " ok" on your friends rig?
Unless they did not really understand what they were listening for?
gastronaut's avatar
gastronaut OP
10 posts
 

So, after some tests and measurements, the right channel is stronger. Not very noticeable in my friends systems like in mine!? I have Kii Three active speakers where EAR 834P is directly connected to the speakers, while they have standard passive speakers, preamp/amp...

Anyhow, first idea is to change the cartridge, but that will be difficult due to various reasons. So, since I am planning to upgrade the phono preamp, I am thinking of purchasing the phono stage with possibility to separately adjust the channel gains!? So I am thinking of ASR Mini Basis or Basis Exclusive for example. Any other suggestions? 

Thanks!

stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,468 posts
 
I'm sure you checked for stylus damage.....I'd send it out for an proper inspection and repair if needed...if not....resume the glorious quest.
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