John DeVore talks about Knob Feel

I understand the knob appeal, but since most of us likely control our equipment with the remote more often, it deserves similar discussion. I have been through five different remotes for different preamps and an integrated over as many years, and I don’t think enough focus is placed on thieves design. There is the minimalist design, like Schiit, the tactility of the blister buttons is weak and it is difficult to make small adjustments, and the small size gets lost easily. Or the maximalist solution, Pass and Audionet, milling a square ingot of aluminum not meant to fit in a human hand with soulless eraser head buttons.
 

The best remote I had out of the five was for the Benchmark preamp. It was aluminum, but right sized, and milled to fit in your hand. The buttons were nice to touch and offered very fine adjustments, by being easy to click, but not so easy that you could inadvertently press the wrong buttons and interrupt your music (Audionet). Yes it would still hurt if you dropped it on your foot, but wouldn’t require a trip to urgent care.

Remotes are the new knobs, but seem to be a bit of an afterthought in some cases. 

My hifi has a wonderfully precise and smooth large illuminated multifunction knob on top. Unfortunately, I rarely touch it because I’m usually a couple of meters away with a remote control or iPad in my hand. 

I used to love the elegant draw mechanism of my CD12, but that’s nearly twenty years in the past now. I have to make do with the delicate arm lift lever of my turntable.

@zlone 

Agreed, remotes should deserve some credit as well. But most supplied remotes are disappointing as you pointed out!  

I’m continually impressed by the Accuphase supplied remotes — sturdy-metal body, appropriately sized and that signature champagne-gold finish, buttons with real tactile presence. The housing alone tells you this isn’t your run-of-the-mill remote: metal, weight to it, a machine-built feel.

Beyond cosmetics the controls, layout matters: the button actuation is firm but smooth, with real “click” feedback (not mushy membrane). That mechanical precision adds to the sense of build integrity.

In short: the remote should reflect the high quality and top $$$$ of the accompanying component. 

@bassbuyer 

LOL! I know exactly what you mean. To me, that tactile connection is a huge part of the experience. There’s something to be said about the weight and precision of a well-made knob or switch, especially when it complements the sound you’re hearing. It’s that same attention to detail that makes high-end gear feel truly luxurious; engaging sight, sound, and touch all at once.