Author Topic: Had to share this from another audio forum  (Read 6890 times)

mark kovach

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Had to share this from another audio forum
« on: December 07, 2009, 12:34:59 PM »
I had this problem of stereo image shift to the left side with my main system (SACD player, pre-amp, power-amp, 3-way speakers). This problem persisted for the last 3 – 4 years.

I tried replacing each and every component and cable one at a time to determine which component(s) in my system is causing the problem – but just cannot isolate the offending component. I even changed the high and mid drivers of the speakers....but to no avail.

Somebody suggested maybe it is room acoustics problem. So I tried repositioning everything in the room (rotate 90 degrees) – but still cannot find the problem. And then I discovered the problem happening also with another system in another room (using another same pair of speakers with an AV receiver).

I went for a hearing test but the doctor said my hearing above average and found nothing wrong. Then later I discovered a third system in my house is also having the same problem….!

What the heck is happening?????


Suddenly I discovered the cause of it all.
The solution is so simple, and so unbelievable….

How I solve the problem – actually it happens just by chance.

I placed my CD onto a clear transparent CD jewel box and play it, and voila! The imaging shift problem is solved. If I place the same CD onto the more common CD jewel box with the more common greyish black base and play it, the problem of imaging shift to left will occur again. I tried this with many CDs over the last 3 months on both type of jewel boxes, and this is repeatable EVERY TIME.

So, just by placing CD on clear transparent jewel box, and playing this disc – imaging restored to centre again. In my collection, I probably have only 25 clear transparent CD jewel boxes out of 1200 plus CDs. There was never any problem with my players, my amps, my speakers, my cables and my room acoustics. It seems that the problem is somehow my system has become sensitive to some physical changes on CD discs after it came into contact with different CD jewel case materials.

After playing an “infected” CD, the problem remains in my system (amps, speakers, cables) even if I playback another source like cable TV, vinyl LPs, or cassettes. (I also confirm this with a different system in a different room). That is why I couldn’t pin point the root of the problem for the last 4 years – every item in the signal chain of my system was already “infected” and they all retain this problem. Substituting each component one at a time to isolate the problem didn’t help, because the additional component gets “infected” as soon as they were introduced. But if I run a “clean” CD sound into the system (need to playing at least 2 tracks), then the whole system gets “disinfected”. Even when I run another source like cable TV, vinyl LPs, or cassettes into the system, this problem doesn’t occur again.





Anyone having the same problem....?
 :rofl: :rofl:

Offline rollo

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Re: Had to share this from another audio forum
« Reply #1 on: December 07, 2009, 12:48:14 PM »
   Are you serious or pulling our legs a bit. My system as well pulls to the right a bit. Now somedays its spot on and others again a touch to the right.
   I know you are a designer and Engineer and do not believe in much of the BS out there so I'm assuming you are joking. then on the other hand you are quitea serious fellow when it comes to Audio, so I'm going to give you the benefit of the doubt and try it out tonight.
   Most laugh at me when I tell them the music is out of phase, until I flip the switch, "Who knew" This is even more laughable so it must be so  :rofl: :rofl:


charles
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mark kovach

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Re: Had to share this from another audio forum
« Reply #2 on: December 07, 2009, 01:33:06 PM »
Charles
As you now know from our conversation, the title states "Had to share this from another audio forum" I guess I should have stated from another anonymous person at another forum but,
I thought the smiley faces rolling around laughing on the bottom would be a give away!
mark

Offline richidoo

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Re: Had to share this from another audio forum
« Reply #3 on: December 07, 2009, 02:11:38 PM »
I found that soft furniture placed on the side walls pulls the image toward it. Which further hardens my resolve to be rid of all furniture in the so called "living room."  :thumb:

Offline Carlman

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Re: Had to share this from another audio forum
« Reply #4 on: December 07, 2009, 03:19:08 PM »
I have the same problem.. But it's really because the musicians are so alive, and the presentation so real, that the performers need to rest.  So, the image shifts to the most comfortable seat... where it wants to rest. ;)
I really enjoy listening to music.

Offline BobM

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Re: Had to share this from another audio forum
« Reply #5 on: December 07, 2009, 05:29:45 PM »
I find that sometimes I lean back on the couch and sometimes I lean forward. when I lean back I get a more relaxed presentation, with the players more toward the middle of the soundstage. But when I lean forward everything seems to be closer!

go figure
Laugh and the world laughs with you. Cry and you'll have to blow your nose.

Offline richidoo

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Re: Had to share this from another audio forum
« Reply #6 on: December 07, 2009, 05:37:27 PM »
Try cupping your hands over your ears, then aim the hand horns at the opposite side speakers. 


 :lmc:
Warning this can lead to permanent brain damage or sprained wrists.

shep

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Re: Had to share this from another audio forum
« Reply #7 on: December 08, 2009, 12:55:10 AM »
getting the ears de-waxed.... not recommended for low-fi systems!

Offline rollo

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Re: Had to share this from another audio forum
« Reply #8 on: December 08, 2009, 05:54:39 AM »
  Oh well  :duh BTW how is your Preamp design coming along ? Any prototypes yet ?


charles
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TomM

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Re: Had to share this from another audio forum
« Reply #9 on: December 08, 2009, 10:24:17 AM »
At one time had same problem.Try using the Gryphon Exorcist once every 4-5 months to dispel any magnetic build up in sensitive audio circuits,also the Sherffied/XLO test&burn-in disc track 8 will help clear up any problems that will help center image.
 
   TomM/Audio Syndrome

Offline rollo

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Re: Had to share this from another audio forum
« Reply #10 on: December 08, 2009, 11:38:51 AM »
At one time had same problem.Try using the Gryphon Exorcist once every 4-5 months to dispel any magnetic build up in sensitive audio circuits,also the Sherffied/XLO test&burn-in disc track 8 will help clear up any problems that will help center image.
 
   TomM/Audio Syndrome

  Excellent reminder there Tom. You are correct. Just Exorcised the beast and both channels are equal again.  :thumb: 



charles
contact me  at rollo14@verizon.net or visit us on Facebook
Lamm Industries - Aqua Acoustic, Formula & La Scala DAC- INNUOS  - Rethm - Kuzma - QLN - Audio Hungary Qualiton - Fritz speakers -Gigawatt -Vinnie Rossi,TWL, Swiss Cables, Merason DAC.

Offline Lizard_king

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Re: Had to share this from another audio forum
« Reply #11 on: December 16, 2009, 04:55:35 PM »
Hi Mark,

I am Hopeful to have you join our club!
« Last Edit: December 16, 2009, 08:53:46 PM by Lizard_king »

Offline richidoo

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Re: Had to share this from another audio forum
« Reply #12 on: December 16, 2009, 05:02:23 PM »
Cool fix!   :thumb: