Preamp Volume/Balance question

[tonyd]

I have a Masseto preamp and have noticed that there appears to be a channel imbalance at low level only. Turning the volume control slowly from 0 (approx 7 o'clock) the sound appears from one speaker only initially and then 'travels' across the soundstage towards the centre, as sound starts to come from the other speaker, until the volume control is at about 8:30 at which point the image is properly centred between the speakers. This happens for all inputs including phono. It's not a major problem but I am curious as to what might be causing this behaviour?

[GaryProtein]

If the volume control is a resistor ring (I don't know the proper name of the part) it is not equal/balanced throughout its range.

I believe a new volume control is needed.

If it is noisy when turned, it might just be dirty and not making equal contact throughout.

[tdelahanty]

This issue isnot uncommon with conventional volume controls. Back in the day the resistive elements were carbon and mechanically aligned, allowing a larger margin for error. Today the resistive elements are made of much better materials and are laser trimmmed for a greater level of accuracy. I doubt there is a problem with your volume control unless it is intermittent or noisy.

[kev313]

I had the same problem with my VR. I also have a Montrachat, so the gain controls fixed the problem a bit. I do like the Monty with the gain wide open and the VR was rather screwy at low volume. I actually though a channel was out until I realized that it wasn't tracking the same on both.

[kev313]

I think that Art Dudley also briefly mentioned this phenomenon in his articles in Stereophile.

[bakerman]

Could it be a tube?

[Shindoadict]

I have this same observation with my masseto

[tonyd]

Thanks for comments ... most reassuring to find that others have noted the same characteristic and that there is therefore unlikely to be a fault. There is no noise at all when turning the volume control. I do have the option on my Montille and Sun amps to reduce the output attenuation and can then set the Masseto volume control to 8:30 for a low volume level that gives a centred sound image. Am also using an Arome for digital so that gives a further option through its level control.

[kev313]

It's normal. If I had to guess, and this is only a guess, I'd say Shindo us aware of this and uses the pot anyway due to sonic considerations. Shindo pres are worth the effort.

[xronx]

Hi...

I dont know how newer shindo creations behave in that regard but my older monbrison sounds best if the volume pot is turned up above 9-10 o'clock. Ive read somewhere that this has to do with the circuit design. Balance is not an issue above 8 o'clock. As said before shindo uses this type of pot because of the Sound. Over here in europe some people thought it wwould be a good idea to do"upgrade" for a good"better" pot and wondered that the unit did sound not as good anymore.

Best regards

Ron