Why do McIntosh come with cheap plastic remotes?

I think finally that the remote should be considered as an extension or the unit, being of equal quality.

I'm not saying the remote should be metal, but at least of higher grade plastic design.

I own the Oppo 105. Bought an extra remote for only $ 12.00

Puts any McIntosh or ARC remote to shame. Same with Anthem remotes, great quality for the price.

Best one ever is my current Pathos Logos remote. Just a solid and gracious peice of wood with 4 unmarked buttons. Classy and in-line with the unit's looks and function.

Visiting this thread from 2 years ago. I still find it unjustified to have cheap remotes on mega-dollar gear.

When you put your name on expensive audio, there should only be one quality standard across the board.

However well a cheap plastic remote can work, it is an extension of the product.

Ever seen a brand new Omega or Tag watch with a cheap $15 expendable wrist band on it instead of solid link stainless steel? Doesn't affect how the watch works of course, but still totally impossible.

to joecasey: your comment ''maybe in there market research MAJORITY of customers don't care "

The majority of customers buy at big-box stores. That's what the market resarch says. I don't agree that high-end audio folks don't care about quality running through with every part of a product including the proverbial remote. You will have your McIntosh fan that will buy mac because it may be their ''dream'' amp. But nevertheless, buying a 5-8K integrated that comes with a (their cost) $7.95 remote is an insult to the customer. And why do they get away with it? Because the brand is strong and still in demand, and frankly because they don't HAVE to supply anything other than a cheap remote. The product will sell whatever is supplied with it, because they can get away with it.

Actually on a pure operational level, it also has to do with ergonomics, comfort in hands, not searching long for that mute button when needed, being able to not overshoot or undershoot the remotes volume level etc...a well designed remote does not do anything for sound and I agree.

But a well-designed remote does contribute to enjoyment and the overall enjoyment of using your sound system.

And for me this hobby is all about enjoyment.

And the remote is of course a natural extension of the gear’s quality, and brand-manufacturer’s value. It’s ok if this has no value for some, but still, you won’t find a TAG watch with a cheap $20 extensible wrist bracelet, let alone a Rolex with the same. And wrist bands don’t contribute to the watch’s performance, and some won’t care if the bracelet is stainless steel, or solid links or not. But you won’t find them cheaping out to save a few bucks like some audio manufacturer’s insist on doing on even quite expensive gear.

As someone said on this thread, only in audio....