I don’t really care that much, but I do notice smooth feel and it makes a positive impression. Many years ago, I got to mess around with a Rowland amp that had giant nuts for tightening speaker wire spade lugs. The turning of the nuts was so smooth that it was truly impressive how well machined they were (not items sourced from any vendor that I knew). These things were smoother than most volume controls.
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?
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- 40 posts total
- 40 posts total