Bottlehead Forum

Bottlehead Kits => Eros Phono => Topic started by: kill_surf_city on October 07, 2024, 09:57:32 AM

Title: Channel imbalance
Post by: kill_surf_city on October 07, 2024, 09:57:32 AM
I only noticed this because I plugged the Eros into my PC via interface to rip an LP. When I open recording software when nothing is playing, the white noise signal in the left channel is a bit louder. Left peaks at like -44 decibels  right channel peaks right at around -49 decibels. Is this a significant imbalance? When I play music through my speakers or even through my PC and then through my Crack and headphones, I can’t tell there’s an imbalance. In my Eros I do have step-up transformers installed for my LOMC Dynavector. Are there any specific places on the amp where I should reflow joints? Or is this kind of imbalance even worth worrying about? Also I tried swapping the tubes and the imbalance stays the same with the left being louder than the right. Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks!!
Title: Re: Channel imbalance
Post by: Paul Birkeland on October 07, 2024, 11:15:39 AM
Is this an imbalance in signal or noise? (or both)
Title: Re: Channel imbalance
Post by: kill_surf_city on October 07, 2024, 12:14:49 PM
Is this an imbalance in signal or noise? (or both)

How can I tell the difference? When I have the amp plugged into my PC via interface there doesn’t seem to much imbalance when I have a record playing through, if that’s what you mean.
Title: Re: Channel imbalance
Post by: Paul Birkeland on October 07, 2024, 02:49:41 PM
If the channel balance is good, then I wouldn't worry about a difference in noise floor between channels.  You can get a better idea of channel balance by using an 1/8" to RCA cable out of a phone or tablet with the volume turned one step up from mute, then play some tones through the Eros to get an idea of how the balance is.
Title: Re: Channel imbalance
Post by: kill_surf_city on October 07, 2024, 04:02:14 PM
Okay cool. Thanks Paul!