July 11, 2005

I'm moving from home theater to two-channel high-end audio. I've grown very accustomed to the remote control of my A/V receiver, but a good number of high-end preamps don't include remote control. Q: Some people say that remote control affects the sound quality. Does it?

Dave B.

A: Whether remote control has an effect on the sound quality of a preamp or integrated amp is hard to determine because manufacturers don't often make remote and non-remote versions of the same component. I have used many high-quality preamps in the past, most of which did not offer remote control. The preamp I now use has remote control, and I love it. The preamp's sound is terrific, and the user-friendly remote control is a bonus.

Thus, the choice between remote and no remote depends on the preamp and user. If you simply can't do without remote control, don't. You will find a preamp that sounds good to you and has a remote. On the other hand, if the preamp whose sound you love doesn't have remote control, you will adjust. When listening, I use the remote very little, and you may find that you like to simply set the volume control and forget about the equipment. There are very few absolutes in high-end audio, and the sonic detriment of remote control certainly isn't one of them.

...Marc Mickelson