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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 The only sane remote I have ever used is that on my 1985-vintage HK CDP (owned for historical reference only!), which has no more buttons than a touch-tone phone of the same era.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
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......
Post removed 
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.
rodman99999
6,158 posts
 
My BAT VK-D5 has a remote milled from a solid piece of aluminum, then anodized. It looks and feels classy, and gives me the option of inserting a CD, returning to my listening position without having to rush, and leisurely seating myself/getting comportable before starting any cuts. I also enjoy the freedom of skipping cuts that don't appeal to me, or answering my phone without returning to the system. There are a variety of functions I utilize on my TacT RCS 2.2aaa remote(cheap plastic piece) that an immediate A/B comparison(from the sweet spot) facilitates, not to mention: I like to adjust the volume from there as well. If you really feel so strongly about yours: Put them in the microwave on high for a few minutes, and see if they melt(could be a fun experiment and may serve as a replacement for the therapy you seem to require).
morgenholz OP
61 posts
 
OK, I'll address Bbro's cross examination. I don't watch TV-- there is too much real life to live, so no remote problem there... I don't particularly enjoy Springsteen, but I did gain a lot of respect for him when I heard him chanting "fifty-seven channels and there's nuthin' on..." years ago. However, the question is appropriate as a TV is an appliance, but audio gear is audio gear. Anyway, I only own manual transmission cars, prefer motorcycling to driving and walking to either, and yes, I park remotely to avoid those trolling for close spots. I always take the stairs within five or six floors. Don't need keyless entry-- I never lock the car because everyone else does and thieves either assume mine is also locked or can steal my change without breaking the windows. So now y'all know what a nutcase I am, but what's that got to do with fifty-six little buttons on a pre-amp remote?

Maybe a good, solid remote with a volume control-- I'll give you cats that, but what else do you need to do in the few minutes you are allowed to sit down anymore?

In my real life, I am a molecular biologist, so I have very little fear of complexity or technology. My complaint is with unnecessary complexity and the consumerist idea that more button-operated gadgets makes a better life-- this philosophy has worked its way into audio over the past few decades. Yes, this does have a lot to do with audio, or what we once knew as audio...
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