Turntable channel imbalance


Hi there!

I’ve noticed that the left channel is a bit louder than the right when I play vinyl. This is the only source that has this issue. I have 2 carts and both exhibit the issue. With some records it is more noticeable than others tho.
 

Is there anything I can adjust?

 

 I have Technics SL-B20D P-mount. TIA

leemaze

Make sure the table is level. If it isn't, you are introducing a bias in the tonearm that favors one side.

It is most probably the phono preamp. There may be a balance control internally.

If you are fussy about balance and anybody with a system that images correctly will be you will be adjusting balance almost with every record or file. Fine balance is a preference issue plus no system puts out exactly the same level in both channels. If the mixing engineer's system is a dB louder on the left what you hear if your system is exactly neutral would be louder on the right. 

If the OP's system otherwise sounds fine, this is what you have a balance control. for. Use it. Nothing else that has been mentioned will effect balance. Anti-skating will effect tracking not balance, same for level. Tube variability can do it. A bad connection will usually cause distortion and noise but possibly volume. 

@mijostyn

I beg to differ!

Anti-skate is so important not just because of this balance in force, but because of the resulting effects it has.

Maintaining channel balance is a key factor. Unchecked, record skate would pull the stylus inwards (towards the center of the record), and would stress the inside wall of the record groove, which would place greater emphasis on the left channel. This would result in an imbalanced sound with too much left channel and not enough right.

Thanks y’all. 
 

I don’t think it’s the pre. It’s been the case across multiple phono pre amps. (Inbuilt on 2 integrateds + the Rega Fono)
 

Will triple check the level and RCA inputs. It’s strange to me that it’s more present on certain LPs but not others. 
 

would love any ideas on unlocking the anti-skate in this particular turntable. 

It is unwise and often very misleading to judge channel balance while listening to stereo LPs. You have no idea what the recording engineer had in mind when he calibrated the recording equipment. Furthermore, the room itself often plays acoustical tricks that make one channel appear to be louder than the other. The easiest thing to do in a home environment is to play a mono LP on your stereo system and listen for the location of the image. If the image is right between the speakers, you probably have no problem.