Balance issue
 

I'm not sure this is the proper forum for this, but since one of my components is a Modwright Oppo-105, I'll start here.
I am experiencing a balance issue in my system when I switch from balanced to SE with my preamp, and I'm baffled as to what is going on.
I have the Oppo driving a Ref 3, Magtech amp, and Magnepan 3.7's.
When I set the preamp in balanced mode, the balance shifts in favour of one speaker. It is obviously louder. In SE mode, it's equal.
This happens whether I use all SE cables, all balanced or a mix.
I returned the player to Dan several months ago, and he looked at it. Concluded all was good, and therefore I started to look at different components.
Put another amp in the system, problem still there.
Put my old GNS Resolution audio in, still there.
Swapped cables, no change.
This occurred with my previous preamp, and ARC LS15, so think I can rule out that component.

What I would like to know is "Is it possible for a CD player, etc, to output different levels through the SE outputs Vs the Balanced ones". In other words, is it possible that the signal is equal in the SE mode but not in the Balanced mode.

It's what it sounds like to me , but I'm not an electronics guy, so mu knowledge is limited.
Hopefully, I'll get some feedback here that will help me solve this dilemma.
When I swap cables at the output of the player, the issue changes channels.which has led me to suspect the player, but Dan didn't find any problems.
All advice appreciated, and thanks in advance.

BTW...Swapped the tubes as well, and no change.

Sure sounds like the 105, if you have more resistance in the Chanel then yep it is low. How about for kicks a basic audio red book cd with hdmI, what are the levels then? It it was the laser pickup or a dac on one side then all outputs would be unbalanced right. But if diff outputs result in miss matched levels it seems to me to be in that output stage.

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Do you have tubes in the output stage? Bad tube?

tubes in the output..yes . But swapping channels with them does nothing.Still balance issue in the same channel.
As well, have the tubes that came with the player and installing them makes no differenceIt really seems like an output imbalance on the Balanced circuits, but Dan checked this out when I returned it , and found it ok.

Are the output stages the same circuitry for bot the balanced and SE outputs, or are they different? If different , then that might be the issue...

BTW..the damned thing sounds great..just would like to have the outputs equal, should I ever decide to sell it or use a fully balanced setup...

Yes a weak tube would for sure since that is a function, you have amplification tubes and a power tube in that rig correct?

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At my limit of ideas. Have you contacted the modwright folks? Cables? Switch L and R? Basically have you eliminated the obvious?

Yes..it's been back for a once over...and cables swapped...tubes swapped...I'm just baffled and aside from a defect in the output stages I don't know where to look.

Another thought would be to run your MW Oppo directly to your amp to test things out that way. Just make sure when you switch over to variable output that you lower the volume on the Oppo down to at least 50% so you don't blow out your speakers (or your ears)!

Good idea...I'll try that tonight..Thanks

Plugged the CD/DVD player direct to the amp...in balanced mode, still a channel imbalance. Looking more like the player is at fault.