It comes with a balance knob?!?! I'll take it!

@izjjzi Yes, a balance control can center a vocalist within the soundstage.  I do it all the time.  Sometimes, the vocals are panned to the left or right intentionally.  In these cases, centering the vocals will produce a lopsided sound stage.  Not only can you center most vocals, but I find that vocal transients coming at me from the left or right can sound harsh, but this harshness lessens or vanishes when the vocals and transients are centered.

Went for an Arcam a49 when I last splurged out 5 yrs back.

Was considering separate amp pre amp at the ttime but if I remember right balance controls werent typical for separate preamps.

As it happens my listening space isnt ideal and also I have a mild hearing deficiency in one ear.

Since both the ear and the most problematic parts of room acoustically are on the same side (my left) the balance control is necessary for me from time to time.

AS I commented i another post Im moving my tv out of the room as its placement was interfering with the soundstage so it maybe with that done I might find the balance control unnecessary-we shall see.

Even so good to have in case of need and if not needed it wont be engaged so no downside near as I can tell

Without a balance control I am screwed. Hearing loss in left ear. About 3 db

Lately, I have been using a sort of balance control (dual mono block set up with sensitivity at each input) for a reason not so good. In short, the right speaker in my system has apparently suffered damage from my stupidity. Bottom line, it needs more volume to compensate for its injury. I know, I am ordering a new driver in the next few days. Just glad to have had a fix in the meantime.

I had impacted wax in one ear.  I adjusted the balance until after my ENT appointment.