Life without a remote

Contrary to most of these posts, I had no problem in getting rid of the remote. Of course, I did like it, even loved it, but I found I was using it too often to make slight adjustments in volume in a single song rather than listening to the music. I would turn up soft passages, turn down loud passages, etc. etc., and found myself listening more to the volume sometimes than the song.

My friend had no problem without a remote on his older ARC preamp. So, when an opportunity developed to buy a component without a remote, I did it. And, it's worked out fine. Now, I set the volume and tend to leave it that way. If it needs adjustment every so often, I get up and do it. No big deal. It's more relaxing.

If you really want to go hard-core, try using two vintage mono preamps, and re-balancing every time you adjust the volume . . . now THAT's a drag.

I have a remote for my Cary SLP98P preamp and like not having to get up. However, there is less chance of noise without one. I'm not that critical, and as long as all of my equipment works well,I only care what I think. The best thing to me about a remote is that you keep your hands OFF of your equipment. Yes I use white gloves when moving any components or repalcing tubes etc. That way , everything stays very new and if I sell it,the new owner will be very pleased also. I do the same with cars too. Used is great if it is almost or as good as new. You save lots of money and can afford better things this way. Why are so many people so careless with things after they buy them? I've only bought 2 items on Agon both rated about an 8 and when I received them one was (is) a 9.5 the other 9.0 This is how I love to buy and sell. As opposed to EBAY

My last two preamps have had remotes, I couldn't live without it.

I generally don't use a remote. Never bothered me one bit, but from what I have seen, for most audiophiles, it is a requirement. It seems we're now willing to compromise sonic performance (presuming a unit being considered without the remote is superior to one being considered with it) for the convenience.

But, who am I to judge? I listen to CDs at almost all times, knowing full well their inherent inferiority to vinyl.