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Is preamp remote volume a deal breaker for you?

I've been looking for a quality active tube preamp with remote volume control. Most high quality tube preamps that are reasonably priced (ie, under $4000) do not come with remote volume. Those that do use the cheap motorized Alps pot (I've had bad experience with Alps), probably because it's cheap and widely available. I've seen some very expensive preamps us this pot, unfortunately. The two very high quality preamps I've read about are the SAS Labs 11A, Don Allens preamp, and Atma-sphere M3, but the designers refuses to implement remote because they believe the sound will suffer. Atma-sphere uses a huge hand assembled remote volume only for there expensive MP1. A preamp without remote is a deal breaker for me. How about you?
dracule1
elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
Remote? no. I do not care about a remote for the preamp due to my rack location directly at hand to my left.
Actually two of the three preamps I own have remotes, but i do not use them.
I used to have my stuff further away, and then a remote was nice. Now, I wonder why i did not think off this before.
I can adjust it perfectly with a slight lean over to twirl the knob. I can also reload the Cd changers from the listening position. Very easy, lasy as can be and great all around.
drrsutliff
299 posts
 
Look at the VAC Renaissance that is presently available here for sale. I am not sure which volume pot Kevin Hayes choose to use but it will be top quality. This unit may fit what you are looking for.
jb8312
247 posts
 
As an amputee, yes. As an audiophile, no.
albertporter's avatar
albertporter
4,927 posts
 
I owned Aesthetix Io and Callisto for nearly a decade before Jim perfected the remote. I was happy the whole time, you get accustomed to it either way.

I suggest you concentrate on sound quality and if the preamp has remote, that's great.
mrderrick
291 posts
 
I use the MP3 and do not miss the remote at all.
The volume control stays at one spot most of the time.
$4,000 will get you a nicely optioned second hand MP3.
Maybe an early MP1 if you can spend a little bit more. ( That's my next move )
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