Nad 3020A - balance pot.

[Hifibythekg]

Anyone know if a replacement balance pot for the 3020A exists?

 

[Hifibythekg]

Also, has anyone successfully removed the balance pot from the circuit whilst leaving it physically in place? This modification has probably been reported on the forum, just haven’t managed to locate it.
My power amp has separate channel volume controls so the absence of the balance function on the NAD would probably be fine.
Many thanks.

 

[NAD80]

I have heard where the balance pot was replaced with fixed value resistors to hold the balance image at center. Sometimes the only way pots can be found are from donor units bought for parts. Unsolder the balance pot from the PCB and solder the resistors in it's place.
https://www.diyaudio.com/forums/sol...placement-balance-pot-bypass-balance-pot.html

 

[Hifibythekg]

Thanks NAD 80, appreciated!

 

[leesonic]

I found a dual pot on eBay that will fit, and works fine. The only snag is that it doesn't have the center detent in it like the original. It's a 20K pot with a tapped center.

 

[Hifibythekg]

Thanks Lee, very helpful.
I should mention that I bought a pricey DACT volume pot on eBay and so far I find it stunning. No comparison to the original and worn out original. Can't say how it compares to any other replacement but I can't imagine that they could be better.
This is the one I fitted.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/192823330491?ul_noapp=true

 

[Hifibythekg]

By the way, is it bad practise to leave the power switch in the 'on' position and switch power on and off at the mains.
Just replaced the power switch and suppression caps and really don't want those switch contacts becoming coated with carbon any sooner than necessary!