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Thread: Channel Imbalance Problem

  1. #1
    Join Date: Apr 2009

    Location: Hertford, Hertfordshire, UK

    Posts: 321
    I'm Adam.

    Default Channel Imbalance Problem

    I am principally a digital music fan - I got into CD in 1985 and have thousands of the silver discs.

    But I got back into vinyl about 5 years ago...

    ...with a cheap Project Primary phono USB Turntable (Ł200).

    The Project has an inbuilt phono stage and an Ortofon 5e cartridge. The turntable came already setup with the Ortofon cartridge.

    Over the last few years I have enjoyed ripping a few hundred albums.

    I have the turntable connected to my PC soundcard via a twin phono to 3.5 jack cable.

    I use Goldwave software for the rips - which I save as 24-48 flac (and play through my Raspberry Pi streamers).

    Recently I noticed that in Goldwave the left channel is a bit quieter than the right.

    I first checked the cartridge alignment which looked OK.

    I used a spirit level to check that the turntable was level.

    I changed the twin phono cable to mini jack cable for a better quality QED item.

    I replaced the Ortofon 5e cartridge for a brand new one...

    ...but still the channel imbalance persists?

    BTW I haven't checked the tracking weight as I don't have a meter (but the tracking weight is preset at the factory).

    Any thoughts would be appreciated.
    Adam.

  2. #2
    Join Date: May 2012

    Location: Toulouse, France

    Posts: 6,562
    I'm Kevin.

    Default

    What level of imbalance do you have?
    The 5e can have 2dB when new.
    Kevin

    Too busy enjoying the music....

    European loan coordinator for Graham Slee HiFi system components..

  3. #3
    Join Date: Apr 2009

    Location: Hertford, Hertfordshire, UK

    Posts: 321
    I'm Adam.

    Default

    OK thanks I wasn't aware of that - the balance is out by just over 1db...

    ...so that would be normal then?

    BTW I have been correcting this in Goldwave by selecting the left channel of the rip and boosting it's volume by 1db.
    Adam.

  4. #4
    Join Date: Feb 2013

    Location: W Lothian

    Posts: 99,005
    I'm Grant.

    Default

    wouldnt think you'd notice 1db tbh, but with carts, its not uncommon. difficult to get spot on levels
    Regards,
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  5. #5
    Join Date: May 2012

    Location: Toulouse, France

    Posts: 6,562
    I'm Kevin.

    Default

    If you have a 1dB imbalance, you are within the specification of the cartridge, so yes, it is normal.
    A better cartridge may help, but will cost considerably more, and there is no guarantee it will be better.
    Full specification of the OM 5e is below:

    Output voltage at 1000 Hz, 5cm/sec. - 4 mV
    Channel balance at 1 kHz - 2 dB
    Channel separation at 1 kHz - 22 dB
    Channel separation at 15 kHz - 15 dB
    Frequency response - 20-20.000 Hz + 3 / -3
    Tracking ability at 315Hz at recommended tracking force *) - 60 µm
    Compliance, dynamic, lateral - 20 µm/mN
    Stylus type - Elliptical
    Stylus tip radius - r/R 8/18 µm
    Tracking force range - 1.5-2.0 g (15-20 mN)
    Tracking force, recommended - 1.75 g (17.5 mN)
    Tracking angle - 20°
    *) Typical value

    Internal impedance, DC resistance - 750 Ohm
    Internal inductance - 450 mH
    Recommended load resistance - 47 kOhm
    Recommended load capacitance - 200-500 pF
    Cartridge colour, body/stylus - Black/Black
    Cartridge weight incl. extra weight - 5 g
    Cartridge weight excl. extra weight - 2.5 g
    Replacement stylus unit - Stylus 5E
    Kevin

    Too busy enjoying the music....

    European loan coordinator for Graham Slee HiFi system components..

  6. #6
    Join Date: Apr 2009

    Location: Hertford, Hertfordshire, UK

    Posts: 321
    I'm Adam.

    Default

    OK Thanks guys that is reassuring - I probably needed a new stylus anyway (things are sounding better with the new one in place).
    Adam.

  7. #7
    Join Date: Jan 2009

    Location: Essex

    Posts: 31,859
    I'm openingabottleofwine.

    Default

    According to the Ortofon specification for the 5E, the channel balance at 1kHz is 2dB.

    https://www.ortofon.com/media/150506...-userguide.pdf

    If this imbalance figure is maintained across the whole of the audible spectrum (and at all output levels), then it will be noticeable, but if you are experiencing only a 1dB shift, then I wouldn't worry about it and simply correct for it as you have done.
    Last edited by Barry; 08-01-2022 at 21:17. Reason: spelling
    Barry

  8. #8
    Join Date: Apr 2012

    Location: N E Kent

    Posts: 51,624
    I'm Geoff.

    Default

    Records don't have perfect channel balance.
    It is impossible for anything digital to sound analogue, because it isn't analogue!

  9. #9
    Join Date: Aug 2009

    Location: Staffordshire, England

    Posts: 37,786
    I'm Martin.

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Theadmans View Post
    OK Thanks guys that is reassuring - I probably needed a new stylus anyway (things are sounding better with the new one in place).
    keep track of the hours you put on it and replace again when it reaches 500. Will maximise sound quality and reduce damage to your records.

    If you hear a difference when you replace the stylus you already used the old one for too long.
    Current Lash Up:

    TEAC VRDS 701T > Sony TAE1000ESD > Krell KSA50S > JM Labs Focal Electra 926.

  10. #10
    Join Date: Jan 2009

    Location: Essex

    Posts: 31,859
    I'm openingabottleofwine.

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by walpurgis View Post
    Records don't have perfect channel balance.
    And neither do your ears. Unless you sit listening with your head in a clamp, moving your head will create more of a change.
    Barry

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