Speaker help...one sounds louder than the other...

Quick question, my speakers don’t sound “even”. My right speaker always sounds louder than my left. If you look at the meters on the amp, it does show a higher db rating for the right speaker. I can of course change the gain so they match pretty close. Is this normal? FWIW, I’m using Bowers CM6s speakers with my mcintosh 2105 amp and c28 preamp. And I have no equipment to "test" anything in case that's a suggestion

 

Swap amp output and see if speaker is still louder than other

 

If the meter is showing a difference then you should be looking at the source and amp, is it only with one source or does it happen with everything?

 

Does it happen on all inputs?

Set the preamplifier to MONO mode then adjust the gains so that the meters read equally. Then switch to stereo mode and see if the R/L disparity continues. If it does, you may want to adjust the level controls on the top of the C28.

 

i'll try. i've actually never once used the controls on top of the C28...

 

Have you read about the issues with the C28 volume pots?

 

Something very similar to this was driving me nuts for months about a year ago. I swapped cables, sources, cleaned volume and balance pots...... It turned out to be a dirty input level pot on the back of my Mac amp (MC162). I don't think the 2105 has those but I agree with 911s55, you should look into the pots on the C28.

 

Thanks!

 

Correct strategy

 

Is this with a turntable source or on all sources. If it's turntable sourced, check your cartridge alignment.

 

I know, I'm dim, but what exactly do you mean swap amp output? sorry... I'm a bad audiophile... do you mean just use a different source to test, like a sonos?

 

Swapping the L/R speaker output terminal connections.

However if one output meter is registering lower than the other, I think we're beyond that point.

 

If it happens on all sources Switch the preamp leads (plug right preamp output into left amp input and vice versa). If the sound changes to the left speaker being louder then you know the problem is in the preamp. If the right speaker stays louder problem could in amp or speaker.

 

Still haven't heard whether all inputs are affected or not.

 

seems that switching the preamp inputs into the amp made the speakers, at least in terms of the meters, closer to matching but now left is a little louder per the meters and maybe my ear. Same with the Sonos via aux input. so it's not a turntable/digital/sonos issue it seems... maybe it's time to get the C28 serviced?

 

Maybe try adjusting the secondary level controls on the top. They become troublesome because they're so seldom used.

 

I have no idea what those controls do. Not sure I’ve even looked at them since I bought the unit.

 

They're simply pots that allow you to make fine tuning L/R adjustments for phono inputs and the pair for output levels. (Left side pair) Just raise one or the other until the amplifier meters register the same output level for both channels.

Chances are that'll solve the problem.

 

If you still have the manual you might want to spend some time with it.

 

Yeah, good idea.

 

Thanks! Did the trick.