2. amps-preamps
  3. 190020-114477

Pre Amp break-in balance issue

I just got a Luxman C700U pre amp to go with a Sanders Magtech amp and the left channel is weaker than the right. If I set the balance at 9 O'clock I get a balanced soundstage but in the middle it's tilted right. The amp is pre owned while the pre is new. Can this be a break in issue that will correct itself? I checked and rechecked the connections repeatedly. Thanks for any input, Joe.

joeyfed55
joeyfed55 OP
83 posts
 

Thanks for the replies, after a sleepless night racking my brain I decided to try something. I have 2 Synergistic Research UEF devices that plug into unused rca connections that I used to great effect in my 509X and had plugged them into the pre outs on my new preamp. Today I removed them and plugged them into 2 inputs instead and VOILA great balance. I have no idea why they would have altered my balance into the pre outs but not inputs but I'm learning in my old age that I don't have to have all the answers. I started with these devices installed into my SR ethernet switch and have enjoyed the soundstage improvements with my modest Shiit Yiggy/Aurender N100H. Then adding 1 and then another into my 509X things just got better and better. They are certainly worth a 30 day money back trial. So far the C700U/Sanders combo sounds great with my ML ESL11As and the pre is not broken in yet. Another shout out to Albert Sportis at PAV in Chicago who has given my great advice and deals for years, a real gentleman. I have been enjoying the 509X and didn't think I would ever move on from it but having heard that the Sanders was made for ESLs finally took the plunge. So far so good. Thanks again for the thoughtful replies. Joe. rca

curiousjim's avatar
curiousjim
4,592 posts
 

Yes there is a break in on SS devices, but it’s for both channels equally.  If one channel is softer than the other, something is wrong. Send it back and get another one.

All the best.

ghdprentice
6,893 posts
 

OP,

 

‘Happy ending. I’m old enough to appreciate a problem going away without following it.

immatthewj
1,859 posts
 

 but I'm learning in my old age that I don't have to have all the answers

I hear you.  I can just accept good news (in my old age) instead of questioning it.  Mostly, anyway.  Good to read that it worked out for you!

donruydesilva
2 posts
 

Is it possible that the room acoustics and positioning of your speakers account for the balance issues? I've found that using spades on my spkr cables improved the overall balance compared to bananas which can loosen up. I've gotten to the point that a preamp without a balance control isn't worth owning.

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