I added a Marantz 6110 tonearm to an old Garrard Type A MkII, and built a custom plinth for it. I'm getting sound from both channels, but there's no left to right balance change when I turn the balance knob back and forth....still get sound from both channels.
I did some continuity checks from the tonearm wire connections at the RCA output jacks on the TT to the cartridge leads at the cart body, and get continuity signal through all 4 leads independently (as expected), however I also get a continuity signal from the green ground lead on the right channel when I touch the cart's metal body with the probe....not the case for any of the leads. I'm not experienced enough to know if this is normal...I suspect not, and wonder if it's the cause of the balance issue, and have no idea why this would happen. I changed headshells and carts just to eliminate a possible cause....same result (AT-3600L to AT-80E). The tonearm wires are connected as per the service manual diagram (shown below)
I'd appreciate any thoughts on what the issue could be.
I did some continuity checks from the tonearm wire connections at the RCA output jacks on the TT to the cartridge leads at the cart body, and get continuity signal through all 4 leads independently (as expected), however I also get a continuity signal from the green ground lead on the right channel when I touch the cart's metal body with the probe....not the case for any of the leads. I'm not experienced enough to know if this is normal...I suspect not, and wonder if it's the cause of the balance issue, and have no idea why this would happen. I changed headshells and carts just to eliminate a possible cause....same result (AT-3600L to AT-80E). The tonearm wires are connected as per the service manual diagram (shown below)
I'd appreciate any thoughts on what the issue could be.
My Pioneer shell does the same but don't remember know on which channel. There is a metal shielding plate on top of the plastic shell.
Even shorted or miswired Your balance knob should work correctly.
Disconnect TT. Touch phono inputs and listen for hum. Activate balance knob to rule out the TT.
Check if the speakers ground lead is firmly connected.
Missing ground & Your hear only the channel's difference. Surround like sound.
Well, well, well....it's not the tonearm connections at all. It's the preamp! I tried a different TT and got the same result! 😱 I was using a back-up preamp so I didn't have to disconnect my main....who knew?! All's well that ends well, I guess....except for the preamp issue! 😱
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