Almost no sound from 1 speaker at low volumes

[JanW]

Here it is again…at very low listening level I hear only some higher notes from 1 speaker, almost no bass. When using the volume knob I unfortunately hear the ‘scratching’ sound again. At normal listening level the speaker ‘pops open’ and sound is as it should be. When working at home I listen at low volume so it is annoying. Swapping the loudspeaker cables, gives the same effect at the other speaker

I did not yet try and take out all cables, powers etc and put back in again.

My idea is that the problem might be in the HiCap DR, or should I investigate SN3 first?

Sorry I am an absolute nitwit in technical issues (but no troubles with my hearing )

Thanks!

[JamesBKK]

From my thread on SN3 balance issues:

@JamesBKK

Imbalance is identically presented on both the SN3s I’ve had. Tests done already are:

1. Balance knob travel tested. Equal left to right extremes.
2. Switch speaker cable connection at amp end (channel imbalance switches to right as right speaker is connected to left SN3 output). Rules out speakers and room.
3. Switch actual speaker cables left to right. Channel imbalance remains on left.
4. DIN and RCA from NDX2 used. Same on both.
5. Different, less sensitive speakers used. Same.
6. Input connector switched from Stream. Same.
7. Different source used. Same.
8. Volume attenuator replaced. Same.
9. SN3 used in AV bypass mode. Same. This one is the most telling as it indicates an issue with the power amp stage.

And

A Naim departure?! I'd prefer not... amplifier advice pls

To add the results of testing DC offset at the amp’s speaker terminals: Right channel is 23mV and left is 44mV. Have reported to Naim and waiting for feedback.

Given the balance knob issue, it could be your preamp stage / volume attenuation.

[Mike-B]

No/low volume when volume control is close to zero volume position plus a cracking noise when volume control is moved is indicative of a “dry” volume control pot. It’s might possibly clean up with a spray with switch cleaner, but I suspect will need replacing.

[JanW]

Volume control pot? Is that the big knob or a part inside?

Issue is the same when I control the volume from the app….

[JanW]

I see, in that case I should bring the SN3 to the dealer, or anything I could do myself?

[ChrisSU]

You might find that rotating the volume control repeatedly up and down cleans up the contacts on the pot. (Obviously turn off the amp first!)

If this helps, it’s possible that the problem will return, in which case it will need to be serviced.

[JanW]

Clear, thanks. Worth a simple try!

[Mike-B]

It’s the part inside, it’s caused by a so called ‘dry’ section of the sliding electrical contacts.
It will be the same no matter if manual or app control.

It looks similar to this …..

[JanW]

I tried and also cleaned the loudspeaker cables and power. Sound is a lot better now on low volume, but the scratching noise when using the volume control persists. Most of my annoyance is gone but I will contact my dealer anyhow.