Pre Amp break-in balance issue

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.

OP,

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

 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!

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.

Great outcome joeyfed55 I usually find weird issues like this to be operator error somehow. I know that’s been the case with my dumba$$ more than a few times. 🤣