Channel Balance
Channel balance describes how closely the left and right output levels match when both channels receive equivalent signals.
The difference is expressed in decibels (dB). Zero dB means equal levels; a smaller mismatch means closer matching. This helps avoid adding a left-or-right bias to the sound. It does not mean that every recording should produce identical levels in both channels.
Channel Balance — Preamp
A preamp should preserve the level relationship between its inputs as you adjust listening volume. Its channel-balance specification describes matching between the two signal paths. A balance control does something different: it deliberately changes their relative levels. Its adjustment range is not a measurement of channel accuracy.
Compare matching figures with the stated test frequency, signal level and volume or gain setting. Matching can depend on the volume-control design and position, so a result at one setting does not establish performance throughout the control’s range.
Sources
- LA4 manual REV B — Benchmark Media Systems
- LA4 product technical description — Benchmark Media Systems
Channel Balance — Cartridge
For a cartridge, this is the difference between the electrical outputs produced by equal signals in the record groove. A rating at 1 kHz describes matching at that test frequency; it does not establish matching across the whole audible range. Channel separation is different: it describes how much signal leaks into the opposite channel.
Unequal playback does not automatically identify a defective cartridge. Check cartridge alignment, including azimuth (its sideways tilt), and the tonearm’s anti-skating adjustment against their manuals. These installation details can also affect channel balance.
Sources
- 2M Bronze specifications — Ortofon
Channel Balance — Step-Up Transformer (SUT)
A step-up transformer raises a moving-coil cartridge’s voltage before the phono input. Channel balance describes how closely its left and right paths match, whereas gain describes the voltage increase. Closely matched paths avoid adding further imbalance; they do not automatically correct unequal cartridge outputs.
A hypothetical “within 0.5 dB at 1 kHz” means a maximum mismatch at that frequency, not an exact error at every frequency. Keep any stated source impedance, load and selected step-up ratio with comparisons. Do not borrow missing balance-test conditions from an adjacent specification.
Sources
- AT-SUT1000 specifications — Audio-Technica
- ST-7 instruction manual — Ortofon
Sources
- Cartridge-making Dictionary — Audio-Technica