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Life without a remote

I am considering a pre-amp that has no remote. As I sit here listening to music, I have adjusted the volume multiple times in just the last few minutes. I adjust so I can pretend I'm listening to my wife when she tries to talk to me. I adjust for different songs. I adjust in the middle of a song. I tweak to get just the right level from my listening spot.

So for those of you that don't have a remote or don't use one - how do you do it? Is there an adjustment period? Is listening more enjoyable because you can't easily play with the volume?
maineiac

Showing 7 responses by tvad

tvad
9,467 posts
 
I don't use a remote. I have no problem with not having one.

However, after reading the OP's original post, it does not appear he is a candidate for going without one.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
why deprive from the comfort and convenience of having one?
Bvdiman (Answers)
I recently had a highly regarded, world class preamp in my system to compare with my remote-less Lamm preamp. I much preferred the sound of the Lamm to the other preamp that came with a very convenient remote. So, I chose sound over convenience.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
Just to be clear, my preference for the sound of the Lamm preamp without remote had nothing to do with the concept remote circuitry degrading the sound of the other preamp. Other factors were at play, IMO.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
Once did forgo the convenience of my remote controllable REF3 for one without based solely on sound.
Bvdiman (Answers)
Good to see I wasn't the only one.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
11-09-08: Dgarretson
In addition to the good sound, there is something about moving through the detents of a high-quality manual stepped attenuator, like the gates in a Ferrari shifter.
I can't relate to shifting a Ferrari, but I agree with enjoying the feel of clicking through a high quality attenuator. I've found this true on First Sound, Atma-Sphere, and Lamm preamps (especially the First Sound and Atma-Sphere).
tvad
9,467 posts
 
Just like I appreciate the solid click of the Campagnolo Record shifting mechanism on my road bike.

Does qualify for getting out?
tvad
9,467 posts
 
I agree with John regarding his specific points about my preference.

However, I will add that had I tried the ARC and Lamm with different amps or different speakers, the results might have been different. One never knows.
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