Channel Imbalance Mystery


I’ve been experiencing a channel imbalance for awhile now that I cannot seem to solve. I’m only running a turn table so I cannot troubleshoot with a digital source. I have ruled out the TT and cart as the problem because I had it tested in another system and it sounds great there. I’m running a Herron VTPH-2A phono pre into a Cronus Magnum II integrated amp with brand new KT120 power tubes. (The imbalance was present with older power tubes too). My channel imbalance is left leaning. When I swap the tt inputs into the Herron preamp the imbalance is fixed. Vocals are dead center but my stereo orientation is flipped. No problem, just swap my preamp outputs to get me back to the correct channel orientation but doing so shifts the center image back to the left a bit but soundstage is correct. It’s not nearly as bad as when my tt inputs were in the correct L/R positions. What the hell is causing this?! I’ve tried different interconnect cables with the same results so I don’t think it’s a cable issue. Could it be unmatched signal tubes in the Herron? Signal tubes in the integrated? Super frustrated. Thanks for any help. 
paulgardner
@mglik thats what I like to hear! I sure hope I get that same results when my replacement 12AT7s arrive. I purchased this preamp used a couple years ago and have only changed a couple of the 5 tubes so who knows how old those AT7 signal tubes are? Thanks for sharing your results after swapping your AT7s!. Appreciate it!
there is such a thing as a stereo triode…helps to know both the tube and the topology…

But

Keith will square you away.
@tomic601 my knowledge and understanding of this stuff is very limited. What is a stereo triode?! And yes, Keith has been very helpful and he seems like a great guy. 
dual Triode, 9 pin…mostly for the random tube swappers….

Like i mentioned, Keith a superb engineer has you covered…
Get a GOD**** Tube Tester! 

I cannot imagine loving tube sound and denying myself the ability to have confidence or find problems in active and replacement tubes.

Test the tubes, short? good or bad? go from there. Have the tester for the rest of your life! Get or download the manual. It's not rocket science. I test new matched tubes when I receive them.

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=tube+tester&_sacat=0&LH_TitleDesc=0&_...

this little tester has given me confidence and found problems for over 40 years. I have a big fancy one, they always agree, I don't bother with the big one anymore, I'm gonna give it away or sell it someday when I get around to it. 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/165066777164?hash=item266ebf224c:g:h-IAAOSw96BhPXpQ

I would take it apart, hose it's guts with contact cleaner/lube, twirl the controls this way and that, blow it dry, wait overnight for further drying, and get right to it.