Why no remote?

Aesthetix showed the new remote for the Callisto at CES in January. It may be ordered as an option for new preamps or retrofitted to previous production units.

The remote consists of dual stepper motors and dual ribbed rubber drive belts, turning the dual mono, four deck, balanced, stepped ladder bridge volume controls.

The infrared receiver and power supply unit is in a separate box, keeping the noise away from the main unit. The umbilical cord uses the same multi pin locking connector design as the dual outboard supplies that power this unit.

I don't know the price but suspect it will be as expensive for the remote as many preamps cost.

I was sufficiently impressed that I have ordered this upgrade for my Callisto. I would have kept the Callisto, even if there was never a remote available. Admittedly, I am attracted to ultimate performance with convenience in the same package.

The best "budget" remote preamp I've heard so-far is Audio Synthesis passive remote stepped volume control ~$2.2k new.

Albertporter, would you care to go into a bit of detail about your thoughts on the Callisto?

And did you happen to see a mfg'er named Foundation Research at CES? They have a $6k preamp called the 'V6' that apparently has made quite an impression at shows in the Toronto area. Alas, no remote.

Much appreciated,

Second, is there a way around this? Creek OBH-10? Others? Would this affect the sound in any way?

Dave to answer your question, that add-on Creek is the surest way to degrade your sonics, & via remote control at that! Not only are you adding the attenuator's sonic signature into the picture, but also the additional pair of interconnects (or two pair if you connect via a tape loop). It's simply not advisable for even reasonable quality equipment, but yes it is certainly possible to add remote that way. Some will use the tape loop path as an everyday function, then switch it out of the signal path for critical listening. But if I'm sitting in the listening chair, that is one of those times when I would most want the remote control function, yet would least want any degradation.
But by buying a higher quality remote controlled preamp you'll not be sacrificing sonic quality. That's one of the things that you're paying for with the big ticket prices. I did just that; no regrets whatsoever. I'll never go back to a non remote unit; these can spoil you real quick.

Stenho, I've owned most of the preamps that are considered "ultimate" and borrowed a good many others. I could list and describe them in a email if you wish.

I am so completely sold on both the Aesthetix Io and Callisto that I have stopped looking to upgrade that part of my system. You would have to know me to realize how radical that is :^).

I did not see the Foundation Research, at least that I can remember. I understand that it is supposed to be good. Same with the new Burmeister preamp. A reviewer (friend) is currently trying several of these in his own system. His reference is the same as mine, the Aesthetix Io and Callisto. He too has been unable to find anything their equal.