2. amps-preamps
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Best remote with preamp

After using various preamps where the remote control interface left me wanting more, I'd like to see what is considered the best or perhaps 'perfect' remote for a preamp. Note I don't mean cdps, or other remotes. (Integrateds qualify but aftermarket remotes don't).

So many of them (even those supplied with expensive units) are gimmicky, or oddly-shaped to the hand, or have poor tactile feel, etc.

What is critical is the volume control, its feedback to the user, both tactile and visual, and its 'connectedness' to the unit, that is, how responsive is the unit to the remote.

So points would be scored heavily for an easy-to-read volume setting from across the room (doesn't have to be a numerical readout but if so it should be well-executed), fine-control of volume, in-the-dark usability, balance, weight and button size and such things.

For this exercise assume cost is no object.
kck
Post removed 
rhljazz
1,253 posts
 
The first thing you don't want is a stepped volume control. They always wind up too loud or too soft for the level one wishes to attain. The VAC Renaissance has a solid metal remote, nicely weighted, smooth finish, minimalist features, with soft buttons for volume up/down one above the other, spaced apart from any other buttons, so there is no guessing as far as feel. One can execute adjustments of the finest level via either the remote or the volume knob. If you need to see the level you are set at, the volume knob is beveled and it is easy to tell fairly closely where the level is by just a glance.

The interface between man and machine is important whether it be a preamp or great automobiles like my BMW's.
timrhu
2,779 posts
 
The remote for the Bel Canto eVo2i is a very nice piece. Solid metal, responsive and with only usable features. Actually there are two features I never use, "tape" and "loop." The remote for the eVo2i is the same as the remote for the PRe2.
The Volume control is especially good, it steps in .5db increments which offers accurate adjustment at the correct speed. When you activate the volume control the display immediately comes up to full brightness for easy readings. The display dims a few seconds later or goes off completely if that's what mode the amp was in. The display setting is also on the remote.
I'm not talking about the performance of the amp, only hte remote which is one of the nicest I've used.
swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,138 posts
 
I agree that the VAC Ren has a great remote. Mine is as above, but input toggle is on top, volume toggle next and 4 others are large round buttons in a diamond pattern below the volume. All buttons are large and hard to mistake for another. BAT remote has very nice digital volume display and is nicely made, etc, but other buttons are a bit hard to distinguish and if you ever mistakenly hit the unity gain button, your family, your neighbors, your ears and your speakers may never forgive you.
audphile1's avatar
audphile1
4,873 posts
 
best remote I ever used was on Hafler Iris preamplifier. It actually had a turn knob for volume control and another for balance control. Same exact knobs as on preamp faceplate. it looked like a brick, felt like a brick but worked like magic. I still miss it....but not the preamp.
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