Does remote control degrade the sound of tube preamps?


Some preamp manufactures (e.g. CAT) don’t put remote controls in their preamps due to the supposed sound degradation. This could also be just an excuse. Do you think the sound quality is degraded with a remote? I am talking about an audible effect.

128x128chungjh

I resolved this clearly a while back but if anyone feels compelled to continue to debate a moot point feel free. 🤷

goofy how this thread on such a minor, non-issue hasn't died under its own weight...

[other brands mentioned + ]... Aries Cerat, and many others, fall very short not providing a fully functional remote. To not have a remote that controls standby. Volume and input selection is a major major disappointment.(@emergingsoul)

[please forgive my poor English]

FYI, the remote control of my Aries Cerat Incito ("basic" version, not ’S’ version) provides full control over the folllowing points:

  • volume control (stepped attenuator)
  • balance control
  • mute control
  • standby control
  • input switch control
  • display control

(The version I own does not have HT bypass, as I don’t need one: music only; so, cannot tell about this).

 

Context:
Previously, I owned a YBA 1 preamp, very open and known to "unthrottle" systems. But the Incito, that I could try at home, nevertheless gave my system a gobsmacking leap forward sonically speaking (the remote that the Incito provided was only an aside advantage). The dealer had insisted that I absolutely should compare the Aries Cerat Incito with an Audio Research Ref 5SE or 6. The comparison has not been possible though.

 

I think the remote is common to all models:

 

It's my understanding the incito s from aires cerat does not offer standby functionality. So it's not a fully functional remote. I believe the Power switche is on the back. very disappointing way to design something. Think of all the people who use this and get frustrated. my family would never go for this. Very sad as it's probably a really great preamp

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