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Speakers versus Balance vs Amplifier

I’ve been leaning towards a Pass amp to try the magic of Class A but couldn’t commit to an amplifier without a “balance” adjustment. Love the reviews of the new Int-60. 
 

Yet, when I listen to my Mc 252 through my SF Olympia IIIs, I find the “balance” feature is NOT the same as moving my seating position to the midpoint on my loveseat. I always sit on the right side and try to “balance” the sound by increasing the left side volume. 

Should be good, right ?  Most definitely not !!

But, If I just shift my body 15” to the left, center if the of the loveseat, ALL manner of magic happens . . . the music and singer are now right in front of me . . . wide, deep, tall . . . amazing !  No sense of sound on the right or left . . .  mostly just right at me !

I cannot achieve this effect with the “balance” adjustment and I’ve been trying for 4+ years ! ! !

So, maybe I’ll try the Pass amp, forget the balance control and just sit in the middle!

And, yes, I’ve had the speakers and JL subs toed in, straight, toed out, baffles aimed inwards, aimed outwards, etc, etc, etc  

My seat is about 8’ back from the amp (in the center) with the speakers about 5’ to each side !

I guess Nelson knows “balance” adjustments controls just don’t get it . . . . center listening position does ! 

So, do others agree or am I just not smart enough to use the “balance” control feature.

All feedback welcome  BTW, tonight, 54 years since first listened to, I find the musicality of AquaLung still awesome !  The louder the better . . . being 72 still has its benefits . . especially when you’ve got the house to yourself !

Thanks for reading this ramble !

 

128x128teboerio
erik_squires
15,828 posts
 

You need better room acoustics.  Absorbers and diffusion on both sides will widen your sweet spot considerably.

newbee
4,751 posts
 

FWIW I find your findings reasonable except for your description of the soundstage when you are sitting 15" off center. When you are sitting 15" off center is the center of the image in front of you or does it remain centered between your speakers?

I think the balance control was designed more for use when you encountered a recording which was not balanced and just needed a small tweak. When I had one I never found it useful in correcting a set up issue. I don't really miss it now.

gdnrbob
4,411 posts
 

Have you had your hearing checked?- No, I don't mean it as an insult. Sometimes you hearing can change. 

I have a similar experience, mostly due to an upper frequency loss in my left ear.

Bob

carlsbad2's avatar
carlsbad2
1,382 posts
 

If my image isn't centered I move my speakers further/closer and usually it is only an inch or less.  this is how I make sure my speakers are the same distance from me.  If one were 6" closer, I'd suspect a problem.

Indeed have your hearing checked.  a new set of hearing aids with HIFI music setting is like having 25 yr old ears again.

Jerry

hertzhead
21 posts
 

I agree with the OP. Long standing, peer reviewed science tells us that the ear/brain system uses both phase, as well as volume, to determine location of a sound. Changing the volume of one speaker vs the other only addresses the volume. You must be seated equal distance from both speakers in order to perceive a solid center and good stereo image. If practical, move the loveseat so the right side is centered.

 Addressing side wall, ceiling and floor reflections is often a good idea so as to reduce late arriving reflected sound from making the brain have to work harder to enjoy the stereo image.

I realize I am a member who has been remiss in posting photos of my humble room/system. Will address soon.

 

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