There is a very slight sonic signature, like an added sparkle to the sound, but much less sonic signature than any other preamp I have ever heard. The Remote Volume Control is a steal. Fantastic value, and yet still has some of the lack of drive that you get with any passive pre. I don't say this to criticise it, so much as point out that you should not kid yourself there isn't a compromise involved. If all I had to spend on a preamp was the price of a Placette Remote Volume Control, then that is what I would buy. But you do get more if you buy the buffered version - the only preamp to buy in its price range (if I can be so dogmatic) unless you want your preamp to add some sonic character of some kind.
