Remote or no remote for the Audio Research LS3.

I am thinking of getting a used Audio Research LS3 with remote. I am wondering if this feature is worth having. Does the remote eventually interfere with the sound since there is now an additional mechanism that may affffect the sound quality?

I've seen a lot of LS3 with out remote, is this because of the cost of having the optional remote?

given the option, would you rather have a remote in your pre amp or not?

Thanks