There is a generally accepted level of this low-volume imbalance, but some pots are necessarily close to this level. As it also depends on listening habits, speaker sensitivity, input levels, room, etc., it can have a practical impact for some people. As mentioned above, in may case (new 252) it was also that it impacted normal lower (not just very low) listening levels, starting at 8 o’clock. I found this supremely annoying, because obviously changing the balance pot also changes the overall volume. The Naim distributor offered to exchange the pot for another hand-checked one from their stock, and the 252 was back within a week. Was well worth it.
For what it’s worth,
I have very efficient speakers, and using a 282. Seven o’clock on the control is plenty of volume for most material. Unfortunately at this level the left channel is less represented than the right.
Thankfully, my dac has a volume control…
So, lately I set the 282 control at 8:30 or so, and then set the dac volume at a level suitable for most material.
The 8:30 setting on the pre gets me well out of the imbalanced situation so I can then use the 282 to make fine adjustments.
My balance control itself is just about perfect at 12:00 thankfully, but I can make fine adjustments on it using a test tone and a sound level meter. Again taking the above into consideration.
Playing my phono requires more ‘“wick” anyway so I don’t generally notice any issue.
I had the low-level imbalance thing with my 282 - I would need to keep the dial at around 10:30 to get a central image. I attributed this to the left speaker being next to an open doorway. When I changed to a 552, the imbalance was much less. Maybe there’s something in the “552s get the best volume controls” explanation?
Richard confirmed this in past threads about this
knowing that they solved this problem in the Statement and Uniti products using the digital/analogue volume control, I wonder when a total range revamp is on the cards…. Personally I think it’s overdue.
Hi Kacper,
Yes, they are.
Regards
Neil.
thanks Neil!
Regards,
Kacper
… and the 272.
Roger
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