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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
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.
cruz123
585 posts
 
I wouldn't let a remote be the deciding factor in choosing a pre-amp, but they are awfully convenient. I listen to a lot of internet radio and there are wild volume differences between every station. If i only listed to vinyl or CD's the remote wouldn't be so important, but still nice to have.
baroque_lover
102 posts
 
I live without a remote.

Would I live with one? sure, but my integrated doesn't have that option. The sound is more important so I trade off the remote.

I am very skeptical about claims that a remote 'degrades' sound.
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.
audioedge
1 posts
 
Well,it's good exercise. Also, it'll give you a good excuse for not listening to your wife when she's not within your line of sight, namely not hearing her in the first place.
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