Do you ever use the balance on your pre amp?

I use the balance control. I don't know of a single setup where I thought the balance was so perfect that use of a balance control would not be of help.

It is quite surprising how noticeable even a small shift in balance can be perceived. I have (now a back up preamp) a Levinson No. 32 that allows balance and volume to be changed in .1 db! increments. It is impossible to reliably hear a .5 db change in volume with musical material, but it is quite easy to hear a .3 db shift in balance.

If the balance control is achieved by sending the signal through another set of potentiometers, then the control, at least in theory, degrades the signal. But, if the control is like that of the Levinson, a microprocessor is simply controlling the volume control resistor ladder to achieve balance control so the signal is no more degraded than it is by having a volume control.

My current linestage, an Emotive Audio Epifania, allows for microprocessor control of a resistor ladder to achieve balance control, but not in as fine increments as the Levinson. Good thing it sounds better than the Levinson.

The centering of my vocals with the pre amp is much more profound than I realized. When the balance centers the vocals it moves more than (obviously) merely the vocal, in my case, to the left. Instruments' position in space, and the soundstage itself have been profoundly affected. The balance is a good thing....

The balance is a good thing....
Warrenh

Yes, I've always felt it was very important, as I stated before. I also like a polarity invert switch on my preamps as well.

I never did, until very recently. My room is a bit asymetrical, and a hair off center of the balance control seems to help. I expect to be doing a fairly serious room overhaul in the near future and suspect the balance control will become superfluos once again. I suppose it comes in handy for those with LP rigs.

I too became aware of slightly off center imaging from critically listening to other systems. The solution came with some simple room treatments. First reflections and rear corners defusers helped balance everything nicely. Now the only time I turn the Balance control is for system diagnosis.