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Remotes: Who needs 'em?

Just bought a nice used pre-amp, make and model unimportant, that is aesthetically and functionally what was needed for one of my systems EXCEPT... Other than a bedridden or legless person, what kind of inadequate, drooling idiot would need a 56-button remote? What happened with our society twenty years ago to convince marketers and manufacturers (no right-thinking person would EVER ask for this crap) that a remote with literally dozens and dozens of little buttons would ever appeal to anyone who is attempting to operate a machine for the purpose of listening to music? The only sane remote I have ever used is that on my 1985-vintage HK CDP (owned for historical reference only!), which has no more buttons than a touch-tone phone of the same era.

It is taking all of the reserve I have to avoid crushing the remote underfoot and pretending that it never existed. I'll get my lazy azz up and handle the limited faceplate controls manually rather than even open the separate manual for the remote, thank you very much! I came very close to purchasing the Vincent SA-31 and taking a hit on frequency extremes precisely because it does NOT have this ludicrous appliance included (and which a recent reviewer bemoaned the lack of...) just to reward them for actually having the chutzpah to offer a reasonably-simple component. Who is reponsible for the idea that every device I own must have a remote? Where can I send the mob of fellow luddites with their pitchforks and torches?

I listen to relax, not to go from my electronically-enhanced workplace to sit and fiddle with some idiotic plastic cell-phone wannabee!
morgenholz
jorgeparrapuppy
257 posts
 
This is like reading a skit from my 3 heroes:
The Three Stooges.
rhljazz
1,254 posts
 
My VAC pre has a solid heavy remote that looks classy and exhibits a tactile sense of pleasure when operated. It only has buttons for volume, mute, and source so there is simplicity and no confusion as to what does what.

I do dislike the cheap plastic remotes with the multitude of buttons. They look tacky and feel like crap to operate. My backup pre which is a Manley Shrimp, has no remote but has a huge volume knob that feels good to touch and turns with a silky feel.

I prefer an excellent remote but it is not an absolute necessity.
usblues
1,217 posts
 
I love remotes,[seriously for a change],what I dont get is guys who need the feel of a heavy,metal,sensous piece of metal/composite which performs the exact same function as a cheap/plastic,ergonomically[sp] uncomfortable one does.They do the SAME thing.....who cares if its.......you know what????????I just realized why they dig it.....it stimulates a part of their makeup their not getting elsewhere.Like the feel of a throttle of a Harley on a sunny day,or the feel of a Joss or Balabuska on an old 5x10 Brunswick with Belgian Super Aramith balls....splendid......I love our 2008 playthings,though not as much as Kennedy and Marilyn in 62.....well,this has been fun.Now,back to my coma......
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bbro
191 posts
 
Morgenholz,

I am curious if you also don't have or use a remote for your TV and a remote keyless entry for your car/van etc. If you really don't have a remote for them either, then I respect your right to just not like remotes, if not then you are picking on one item and not the others. Also do you, like most people, always look for the closest parking space at the mall or do you park more remotely (no pun intended). And how about those useless escalators once you are inside the mall, I assume you use the old fashioned stairs like I do. I personally park far away for exercise, take the stairs if available, and use a key to get into my car, but I sure do like my Preamp, and CDP remotes. I get more than enough exercise on those frequent trips out to the kitchen to get another beer.
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