2. amps-preamps
  3. 1258427560

Struggling with right/left channel balance, HELP?

Background:

I am trying to make a minimalist two channel setup. I use a Mac mini as my source and want to connect the toslink out to a one unit DAC/preamp.

I have tried Peachtree Audio's Nova and had a lot of trouble with the volume control being unbalanced (right/left). It would balance out more and the volume increased but ultimately the unit was 5-2dB off at my current listening levels. I returned the unit.

I now have a Benchmark DAC1-HDR at home. The balance is consistent with volume level but the left channel is 2dB louder all the time. I am currently planning to return the unit or exchange it.

Testing:

I stripped my system down to a mono configuration and eliminated all factors but the pre-amp. I use the same channel on my amp and the same speaker, wire, room position, and mounted the mic on a stand, etc. The problem with both the Peachtree Nova and Benchmark has been left and right balance control. Aside form the balance issue both units sounded great...

Solution?

I am not sure where to go from here. I guess I should buy a preamp with a balance control and run a separate DAC. I feel there would be some loss is quality in my current price range ($2000 for BOTH preamp and DAC) for two units.

I could buy a standard DAC1 and get separate preamp but that goes agents my simple is good philosophy... and I don't really have the budget for it right now.

Question:
Note: must have a remote!

#1 Is there a all in one DAC/Preamp unit WITH a balance control in it ($2000ish budget... $3000 max and cheaper is better)?

#2What would be a good preamp WITH balance control for $1500ish or less (used is ok, solid or tube is fine)? I would use a standard DAC1 or other DAC with it.
james63
4est
507 posts
 
If you are using mini with and HDR, please try it with the usb (it doesn't have spdif). I have experimented with quite a few DACs, and toslink has never been the best input on any of them. Typically dynamically soft and lacking immediacy. If it really is off by 2db, Benchmark will replace it. It is a preamp after all. There may be internal adjustments, or the back panel calibrations for the fixed output may effect the variable out. Call them, they are very helpful.
4est
507 posts
 
Furthermore, have you swapped outputs digitally via Audio Midi Setup to check the source?
james63 OP
534 posts
 
Yes is have swapped the computer channels in the audio set up. I have also tried a CD player with the same results.

I talked to a few people at benchmark today. They seem to think the problem was my low level listening(70-75dB). The said the below "11:00" o-clock there would be a slight imbalance (but not two dB) and from 12-3 is should be VERY balanced. I was using the unbalanced connection and today I bought some balanced cables so I could adjust the internal gain. This allows me to turn up the volume know and keep the volume lower. This helped but did not get me all the way there.

I am still measuring 1dB off at 11:00 o-clock through 1:00 o-clock. At 2:00 o-clock the volume is balanced (way to loud for my normal listening levels)...

So I think I will have to send the unit back. I could almost live with one dB. It does not stand out unless I am looking for it.... but you know I will look for it... I try and send it back this week and get another unit.

As for the sound quality I have tried both the toslink and USB connections. I actually leave both connected and changed the out puts in my computer from time to time. I found the USB to be a little on the bright side and the toslink to be more balanced. I was not listening for dynamically punch or immediacy but I will give it a go. I only have the USB that came with it. Have you tried other cable with it?

My general feeling is that the toslink has a more "refined" top end. But the big difference for me was in the upper midrange. If you have Dave Matthew's Some Devil's listen to the song Grave Digger on both the USB and Toslink and let me know what you think. I found the vocals to be more natural and fleshed out on the toslink.
styxtrekr
45 posts
 
any changes in right ear vs left ear hearing at various freguencies and loudness?
james63 OP
534 posts
 
"any changes in right ear vs left ear hearing at various freguencies and loudness? "

I you are asking about my hearing, not that I know of. I get a test every year at work and my ears are pretty good (I am 28...) hopfully they stay that way.

I measured the system with test tones and the imbalance was consistent through out the frequency range. Again in a mono set up for the test.
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