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In Reply to: RE: Based on his swapping methodology I have to agree - nt posted by AbeCollins on May 22, 2015 at 14:25:18
I mentioned earlier that I changed all the 6 tubes of the preamp and the situation is the same.
The preamp is connected to both my single stereo source (Ayre C5) as well as the front L/R of my Marantz surround processor (using pass-through) and in both cases, it is the same - lower sound from left channel. So why I should I suspect the CD player as someone has suggested?
The most important observation is that when swapped the L and R inputs at the power amp, the lower sound shifted from left to right, so logically both the power amp and speakers are okay and the suspect seems to be the preamp. So even after changing all the tubes in the ARC Ref-3, if it still does not solve the problem, what else could be wrong with it? Next I am going to run the surround processor L/R directly to the power amp bypassing the line stage and hopefully that should conclusively prove that the issue is with the preamp if the left channel sound improves.
Follow Ups:
You have too much crap going on. Simplify by separating the components then proceed methodically.
If you can't separate the components then half-split then half-split again until you narrow it down. It's a common troubleshooting technique for systems and circuits.
Okay, the simplest test. I disconnected the source and preamp from my system and using different balanced interconnects, I connected my Marantz surround sound processor L/R directly to the Aesthetix power amp L/R, of course through the HP filter in front as always required for the Vandersteen Quatro. Played the test tones through Front L, Front R, Center, Rear R and Rear L speakers. The Front L sound is still low, at least 5 dB relative to the right (levels can be adjusted in test tones). When I swap the L/R at the power amp inputs, the lower sound shifts to the right channel.
So even without my stereo source and line stage in line, the left channel sound is lower by around 5 dB. Is there any other conclusion except that there is something wrong in the power amp? The question is what could be wrong with it.
Sorry, one mistake in my previous post. When I swapped the interconnects at the power amp inputs, the lower sound of Left channel DID NOT shift to the right, it continues in the L at around 5 dB lower than the right.
Apologies for the mistake.
If it were me, I'd get the processor out of the system and use just the linestage and power amp.... and a simple source like a CDP. Begin troubleshooting to determine if you have any channel imbalance between the L&R channels.... and be sure that your linestage balance control isn't offset.
IMHO, processors have too many variables that can be incorrectly set so that's the first item I would set aside and remove from the system to simplify the troubleshooting.
Did you try another source!
Another input for the source!
And not using the balanced cable - RCA.
Don't bypass the simple fix!!!
charles
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