I finally found the problem, yes it was the terminals near the the line selectors, the white wire connected to N1L got disconnected. I think it got snagged by the metal plate holding the attenuators. That wire most likely caused the shorts that I experienced when I was building the resistors at the coarse attenuators. I followed your recommendation and removed the paper washers and returned the #6 washers included in the kit. Did voltage and resistance checks all are in perfect ranges. Connected my DAC to Line 2 then to my headphone amp, sounds great no his or hum, both headphone cups have equal volume, no channel imbalance. Thanks for being patient with me, pointing out my mistakes, also a big thanks to my electrical engineer friend who was willing to help me and trouble shoot the pre-amp during Christmas day.
Still have no sound on my left speaker though, when the DAC was connected to Line 1. I think it is is just the speaker wire connection or again a loose Line 1 solder, but it most likely the former. I can handle it from here. I'll check Line 1 and 3 tomorrow.
Guess this problem is resolved.
I'll work on upgrade 2 mid 2023, meantime relishing upgrade 1.