Does remote control degrade the sound of tube preamps?

Yes there are MANY ways to employ both manual and remote volume control.  One of the most interesting is the EMIA approach of using an auto-former with many discrete taps that are relay switched.  I believe there are other transformer-based volume controllers, some even utilizing remote switching.  This probably represents the most complex way of doing volume control.

I also like the approach of having only one fixed resistor in the signal path, with volume determined by relay switched set of resistors shunting part of the signal to ground.  

+2 Mapman, couldn't have said it better! At my age, 80, I wouldn't consider a preamp without a remote control. My ears are the limiting factor now, a remote is the least of my worries!!!

It’s like buying a multilevel house when you’re 70 where it’s very possible you won’t be able to reach the second floor at some point. Even an injury with a recovery period Will totally disrupt your life.

So if you’re going to buy a preamp and have it around for a while you’re really appreciate necessity of a fully functional remote.

My impression is that manufacturers are being extremely lazy by not doing a fully functional remote. There is no sound impact. Most will likely take interest in the additional cost.

Further what if you put it in a second room how inconvenient is this?

@music_is_life

Thanks for @ blackdogs reference. Helpful in seeing where he is coming from, a competitor. His examples of “crappy integrated circuit volume” used in Audio Research equipment who’s sound “has been ruined” … making it a very inferior product had me question his motives. I have not found that to be true. In fact, I think this is a very self-discrediting statement.

I have had a number of products with discrete volume controls and not found them to be greatly superior to alternatives. High end audio component are composed of hundreds and hundreds of design decisions and components and singling out and slandering a single component as a fatal flaw on some of the finest equipment manufacturer seems a bit irresponsible… especially coming from another equipment manufacturer.

Hence the reason for my question. It was clear he had a chip on his shoulder… now it is clear from whence his prejudice comes. 

@ghdprentice Just sharing info. I am not an AR guy but that was lowbrow.