Is it possible for the center image to drift from lp to lp?


Lately it seems I'm having to adjust speaker positioning, slightly, to accommodate for "center image drifting".

It does seem to fluctuate somewhat between varying lps.

Could it be either of these things:

(1) I'm a 57 year old male.
(2) The transparency of my system .
(3) The mixing of any particular lp.
(4) Once one's system is revealing enough, is it possible to hear if the center image, ( in the case of a vocalist) moves slightly from one side of the microphone?

I'm hoping for most to come down on number 4.

Thanks.
astro58go
cousinbillyl, What you described is exactly what I was trying to convey. I assume since your thoughtful answer detailed my concerns, you have thought about it as well.

cleeds, Yes, these things are checked often.

dcbingaman, Your "solution" is very expensive but under consideration regarding future purchases.

All, I've really paid attention, even more, to speaker adjustments. I can say, the issue is not noticed as much as when I first posted, but still there on occasion. I have been tinkering around with acoustic treatments as well. The sonics have been improved greatly. This revelation may have an additional affect of being more sensitive to "this issue"? Thanks!




I found in MY room, some frequencies are more/less reflective which alters the sonic stage a bit.  Depending on your tolerance, you can search for the truth in your room, but I just listen to the music.
Astro58go, if you are handy with a soldering iron, get a small box and and Alps RK40 (Black Beauty) balance pot.  These are the best pots ever made (IMHO), and are still readily available on eBay.  Put a set of input and output jacks on the box and use the box between your preamp and power amp, where it will make the least impact on sound quality.  There is a detent on the pot to know when you have equal gain on both sides.  You only need to make a small adjustment to center the image of any LP.  Total investment, including the pot, is about $150.00 !

dcbingaman, Thank you for the info. I do appreciate the alternative to an equipment change.

stringreen, I hear where you're coming from. I Do feel I have some more "truth" to find within my room. Thanks!
FWIW,  My next , (and maybe last upgrade, except for acoustical treatments) may be going from my EAR 834P, MC/MM & Bob's Cinemag to the  K&K Maxxed Out w/ volume, since I have a vinyl only set-up.