Operation Guide for Passive Remote Volume Control

The best way to use the Remote Volume Control is to place it as near as possible to your power amplifier. As a passive device, the shorter the cables are, the better the performance will be. This is made easy by the use of its remote control capability.

Most DAC’s and CD players today have a low enough output impedance to drive long cables so it is usually better to allow them to drive your longest cables down to the volume control. An additional benefit of this approach is that any unwanted noise picked up by the cable run will be attenuated by the volume control, improving signal to noise ratio.

To operate, plug the power supply into the rear of the unit and then attach interconnects. The switch on the front panel allows the user to raise and lower the volume level without the remote control. The LED’s display shows the relative volume as a binary number output of 0 to 125. The red LED comes on as the volume control is half-way up or at step 64. This red LED is only a warning that the power amplifier outputs could be very high and is not in any way an indication of reduced sound quality.

You can also use the remote transmitter to raise or lower the volume. It steps slowly for a few steps and then speeds up as the control button is held down. Programming instructions are included to allow the user to control the CD, VCR, TV or other source functions with the remote.

The round lens on the front of the control is to enhance the remote’s IR reception and does not light-up.

If you are using the Passive Linestage, input selection is also done with the remote control. Push “preamp” on the remote transmitter and then select the desired source (CD, PHO, or TUN). Note that this Linestage also has two outputs for each channel for use when bi-amping or to drive a sub directly.

The Vishay® S-102 resistors used in this unit provide unequaled clarity and transparency. Although they sound very good when new, they continue to break-in and improve over the years.

Please call me anytime at 208-342-6141 if you have any questions.

Guy Hammel