...Remote controls were frowned upon...
I remember when (and it's not that long ago - about 15 years) the idea of a remote controlled amp was frowned upon. The electronics for the RCU would (apparently) impact upon the audio quality.
Yet now, when reading reviews, I see that an amp WITHOUT a remote control is frowned upon.
How times change!
I use an amp without a remote control. I'm very happy with my trusty old NAD 302.
OP's point taken, but these days remote control has moved on, in many cases avoiding electronic volume controls and source-switching, and instead using motorised volume pots and relay switching, and with control microprocessors designed to sleep when not responding to commands. And power supplies have been improved to keep control sections away from the audio sections.
I like things to be simple, so no remote for me on my next amp. And hopefully no tone controls... and if there is, then a tone defeat button is desirable.
NSYGrinner:I never use the remote to control volume. On the old Sony av amp it always seemed to jump just that bit to much up or down. I don't like the new software controlled volume controls. Spinning the dial round and round and not getting anywhere. the old pot style volumes were the best.
The pot controls were ok until they go dust into them, after that they were useless
My Nad is still OK after 21 years.
NSYGrinner:My Nad is still OK after 21 years.
Nice! I'm not quite at 21 years (probably at 15) and my 302 is as good as ever. I've considered changing to something more modern, but I can't find anything that sounds as good to my ears, or that looks as good. The 302 is modest... but a real beauty.
As for remotes, I wonder how much they have contributed to the nation's increasing waist line?
or possibly even our waste line, Tannoid ?
bob.g:or possibly even our waste line, Tannoid ?
Yes, that as well... All those batteries heading for landfill.
Remotes are useful, but my collection is driving me mad. Never within reach... night just as well walk to the television/DVD/MD or whatever and press the button.
Tannoid:Yes, that as well... All those batteries heading for landfill.
About two every few years. I reckon it's got to the point where the battery life in most remotes will outlast the units they are controlling.
Wireless mice seem to be the most significant battery munchers now. This is why (with three wireless mice and an Apple wireless keyboard) I have invested in 8 AA and 8 AAA rechargeables.
I honestly cannot remember the last time a remote needed a replacement battery. I just checked inside the Naim remote and the same 2 'Vinnic' brand batteries (supplied in the box) are in there from when I bought the kit 17 months ago. The remote has been used everyday, many times a day. My Panasonic DMR-EX78 remote still has the original Panasonic batteries in it. (Unit bought around Christmas 200
.
I remember our first "remote controlled" TV. The remote was connected to the telly by a long lead that plugged into a socket on the front. A bit different now!
chudleighpaul:I remember our first "remote controlled" TV. The remote was connected to the telly by a long lead that plugged into a socket on the front. A bit different now!
Our first one operated on some ultrasonic frequency that annoyed dogs.
chudleighpaul:I remember our first "remote controlled" TV. The remote was connected to the telly by a long lead that plugged into a socket on the front. A bit different now!
Our first video was like that. A top loader, incredibly clunky thing. The first thing it recorded was The Paul Daniels Magic Show. Our first remote control television didn't arrive until 1995, after our Sony Trinitron died aged 16.
Ah... those were the days.
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I never use the remote to control volume. On the old Sony av amp it always seemed to jump just that bit to much up or down. I don't like the new software controlled volume controls. Spinning the dial round and round and not getting anywhere. the old pot style volumes were the best.