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IMAGE PROBLEMS VOCALS OFF CENTER

My image is off center.
I have changed practically everything.
Swapped interconnects, cd players, placed left speaker on the right and right speaker on the left and vice versa. Switched amplifiers, power cables etc etc. The image (noticeable on vocals) is about a foot to the right of center. DRIVING ME INSANE!!!!!!! I have this gear in an architecturally sound room. It was designed by Obsession AUdio in the U.S. and it is definitely not a room issue. It is not my hearing (as first thought) because others have noticed and confirmed the problem as well. HAS ANYONE ENCOUNTERED THIS PROBLEM?
Could it be an electrical issue coming in to the house????? Is that even possible?
Any and all suggestions are welcome.

Randy
butterscotchmusic
rrcpa
37 posts
 
Such simple straight forward advice is what makes this forum great. Some things have complex answers so we come to expect everything to. It has been my experience that the simplest answer generally tends to be the best.

Thanks Pete!
maril555
619 posts
 
It's funny I stumbled upon this thread. Just a few days ago I realized I'm having the same problem: center image is slightly to the left- confirmed with mono recording and few listeners, other than myself. Everybody was absolutely certain.
I'm sure the problem is new, and I haven't changed anything in the system.
I have an inclination to blame my power amp. (BAT 75 SE), maybe one of the tubes is giving up.
What is the easiest way to check the output signal in both channels?, and what should I use for that purpose?
Please, help.
P.S. I haven't done any speakers swaps yet ( they are quite heavy).
newbee
4,768 posts
 
Yeh, check your tubes. A weak tube on the right side of your amp or pre-amp (whatever) could cause your problem.

I just had a comedy of sorts. I found my sound stage compressed as hell. I blamed the CD quality, etc and was dumbfounded by the change (because I hadn't analyized my system yet). Short version - I put in new tubes in my pre-amp - everything back to normal. This is the first time I've ever had tubes fail uniformly in both channels.
maril555
619 posts
 
Update: swapped two super tubes, everything is "back to center", go figure.
theaudiotweak
2,801 posts
 
Phase coherence or lack there of in just one channel could skew the image balance off to one side. This effect can be caused by either your electronics or an acoustic inbalance in your listening room {a variance in pressure}. Tom
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