2. tech-talk
  3. 125765-2589

Volume imbalance

When I adjust my dual volume control I can almost never seem to get each channel to equal out.  I can adjust one side but then it's just a little bit louder than the other. I believe it's the nature of the tolerances of the stepped Alps pots. I've got room for the Khozmo controls. But I'm not sure if this the way to go. I'm looking for opinions/experiences or suggestions. Thanks for any help. Would an audio taper pot be ok?

128x128fourwnds
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
Volume controls are the single most unreliable component in the audio chain, for reliability and differences in sound.
In what pre does this dual volume control reside in, and what is the make/value of the volume pot as well???

Cheers George
fourwnds's avatar
fourwnds OP
277 posts
 
Hi George, thanks for responding. It is an Alps Japan 89141 100kax2. They are in a vintage Quicksilver Full Function preamp. It is the later version with a single tube(5ar4)rectifier. I have gone for long periods of time listening through the tape outs without any volume control but with 39db of gain from the phono and 4.8mv output from the cart it is a bit much for me as Iike listening at less than realistic levels a lot of the time and the other times my other half gets annoyed when I tell her that I cannot turn it down. I don't think she believes me. So, I sacrifice to keep the peace and the sound is good enough but hey if there is a win win I'm all ears. 
gillatgh's avatar
gillatgh
381 posts
 
Have you tried using a SPL Meter?
More to discover