Cause of Channel Imbalance


I have a channel imbalance which I am pretty sure has its source in either my tube preamp (more likely) or SS amp (less likely). I changed the tubes in the weaker (left) channel in the preamp but this did not solve the problem.

Any thoughts on cause/solution?

Thanks.

Neal
nglazer
Is the channel imbalance the same at all volumes ? If it's worse at low volumes then it's likely a bad volume pot.

Did you try switching the pre->amp interconnects to see if it's in the pre or the amp ? IF you switch the pre->amp interconnects and speaker cables so you're using the L channel in the amp to driver the R speaker and vice-versa then that will isolate whether it's a preamp or amp issue.
Another possibility could be the interconnect cables themselves. It's happened to me. Turnes out to be an intermitant short in one of the cables. Try switching the L and R cables and see if the problem changes channels
Make sure your speakers have not moved - they should both be EXACTLY the same distance away from your listening chair. I like to attach a string to the center of the chair and move it back and forth between the 2 speakers' tweeters. Both directions should yield the same amount of tightness. Try it! ...John