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Hinky Remote controls: Can they be re- calibrated?

I recently considered buying a tube integrated amp with remote control. It has won the praises of several reviewers and AG members. However, the model in question and its lower sibling have poor remote controls. They overshoot the mark by a wide margin requiring the listener to get off his butt to adjust volume to their liking.

This may not seem like a big deal, but if you have back problems, which I have, this can be more than a pain in the ass. BTW, the integrated in question is about $2200 retail. I don't understand the design philosophy of the manufacturer to offer a remote that is poorly calibrated, or not accurately calibrated.

Is there any solutions to this design flaw....besides buying a different product with a better remote. I understand that good sound quality is the primary objective, but convenience of operation is not asking too much from the manufacturer who chooses to save a few bucks on production costs by supplying an almost useless remote. I would gladly pay $100-$150 for a better remote with at least a mute button
sunnyjim

Showing 1 response by sunnyjim

sunnyjim OP
927 posts
 
Thank you to everyone who has commented so far....Lowrider, yes, I was referring to the Rogue integrated amps

The two reviews of the "Sphinx" hybrid integrated claimed the remote was mediocre with wide swings in volume control. The review of Cronos Magnum reported almost the same problem with its remote, and I don't believe it is better because the CM is in a higher tier of equipment in Rogue's line

One of the smoothest remotes I have used the Bel Canto PRe3 line stage; very smooth and the subtle increases in volume were easily apparent. It reminds me very much of a Conrad Johnson PV-8 pre-amp which I owned about 20 years ago. It did not have a remote, but the volume pot was accurately calibrated in half db increments; you could hear and feel the volume pot subtly and uniformly lift the sound across the entire room.
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