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John DeVore talks about Knob Feel

Anyone here watched John DeVore discuss “knob feel” — the tactile, sensory interaction you have with your gear as much as the sonic result. 

I know exactly what John DeVore means when he talks about knob feel. My Garrard 301, Degritter UCM and Softone Model IV phono are perfect examples — they exude that precise, tactile satisfaction that makes every interaction a small joy. There’s a deliberate weight and smooth resistance to the controls that you just don’t find often anymore.

It’s funny how something as simple as turning a knob can heighten the whole listening ritual — it connects you physically to the gear and, in a way, to the music itself. That sense of craftsmanship and intentionality reminds you why we love this hobby. Remote control be damned.

For those of us obsessed with system synergy, this is a reminder: don’t ignore the physical interface. The best sounding phono stage, tube amp or speaker might still feel “off” if the user interaction is clunky. That little detail influences how you listen, which affects how the music lands.

If you’ve got gear with excellent tactile controls (volume, input selector, tone controls, etc.), I’d love to hear: does the knob feel contribute to your listening enjoyment? Or do you consider it secondary to performance?

https://youtu.be/Z7of4DcX_sY?si=PlFcLc86PNomBa1k

lalitk
bjesien
1,436 posts
 

Perhaps a less cringeworthy approach would be admiring perky meters? 

stuartk
4,013 posts
 

"Feel", not so much but ergonomics, certainly. I tried a highly lauded ProJect cd transport that was so small and light I had to hold it down with one hand while inserting and removing cds to prevent it from sliding around. Personally, I found this absurdly impractical and sent it back but haven’t  encountered any such complaints from anyone else, here. I subsequently purchased a Jay’s CDT MK3 and have no complaints. It’s not so much a ritual for me, though. I want there to be as little fussing around as possible so I can focus on what matters most to me-- the music.

 

 

lalitk's avatar
lalitk OP
6,180 posts
 

@stuartk 

At the end of the day, it’s always about the music for me as well. The gear is simply there to serve it, not to become the focus. I’ve learned that if something in the chain draws too much attention to itself—whether through awkward ergonomics or exaggerated “wow” factors, it starts pulling me away from the listening experience.

The DeVore video starts off well, but it eventually turns into a bit of a Mark Levinson promo. A shame, really as it began with genuine curiosity, then drifted into product placement territory.

faustuss's avatar
faustuss
822 posts
 

I loved that video and I have the utmost respect for JD. He has disclosed in other videos that his whole operation involves himself and just one or two other people. Very remarkable guy and very typical New Englander (Newton Massachusetts). Other current New England notables; Noah Khan, Milo Rossi (archeologist), Amie Mann, Ben Afleck, Bernie Sanders... Typical over achievers.

bdp24's avatar
bdp24
10,487 posts
 

 

I like volume pots that have a healthy degree of "resistance" in their feel, rather than rotating too easily. If you know what I mean. The volume pots in my EAR-Yoshino and Music Reference pre-amps have the same resistive feel, giving each a sense of quality. The volume control on my ARC SP-3 turned with little resistance, making it seem cheap. And I like tuner knobs that are "weighted", such as those in McIntosh tuners.

In tone arms I insist on damped cuing arms. And no unipivots!

 

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