remote to this amp?

[davidro]

Hi my first post here.

I'm sorta interested in this thing. But I can't live with an amp without a volume control at least.

Is it possible to build one with a volume control and if so, how?

Thanks in adv.

[earwaxxer]

Hi David - Now, if you are going digital its easy to use the software as a "volume control", if you are analog (vinyl) its a bit harder. Digital has opened up many possibilities, not all ideal or optimum. In summary, you can control volume on a laptop and link a DAC directly to a power amp. Again, this may not be ideal.

If you are using a record player to an amplifier and you want a volume control to go with your amp I would suggest a "pre-amp" with a remote volume control. Many ways of doing things these day....

[Paul Birkeland]

I'm sorta interested in this thing. But I can't live with an amp without a volume control at least.
Is it possible to build one with a volume control and if so, how?

The Stereomour does have a volume control.

If you'd like to add a recote control, there are some options, but you will end up needing a separate external power supply to do so (a wall wart power supply will work well).

-PB

[davidro]

earwaxxer - Yes I listen to vinyl, and my CD setup (CDT + DAC) doesn't support a remote control. Wouldn't addition of a pre-amp degrade the SQ?

CB - I meant remote volume control, sorry. What are the options? Are they easy to implement and how costly are they?

Cheers

[Paul Birkeland]

Something like this could work:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/4Way-Motorized-Remote-Volume-Control-Input-Selector-KIT-/260719913321?pt=US_Home_Audio_Amplifiers_Preamps&hash=item3cb41e2969#ht_1834wt_1018

You'll need a 9-12V @3A power supply to run it (I'd look for a 12V wall wart for a cable modem or wifi router). 

There isn't nearly enough room to just mount that under the chassis plate where the potentiometer normally is, but you can extend the shaft of the potentiometer on that PC board to move it down a bit to make it work.

-PB

[earwaxxer]

Hey David - actually, the pre-amp can add quite a bit (positive) to the sound quality. Especially if you add tubes, where you dont have any tubes in the circuit to begin with. Again, your millage may vary with this. If you are running vinyl and want a "remote" volume control I would go with a tube pre-amp. Great investment IMO. You could go with a Bottlehead pre and do a motorized volume  control, although that may be a bit more for you to take on. There are off the shelf options for such a thing though, that are affordable.

[davidro]

Thanks guys.

I want something minimal though. How about Bent ALPS remote? http://www.bentaudio.com/index2.html

Does it also need an external PSU?

Cheers

[earwaxxer]

Not sure. Probably. It looks like a passive preamp, but may need power to run the motorized APLS, LED's etc.

[Paul Birkeland]

The external power supply is a very good idea until you get things working.  There are potentially some of these devices (though none with remotes) from the 12V winding, but they aren't easy to implement, especially considering how inexpensive and convenient a wall wart is.

-PB

[davidro]

Thanks guys.

This (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Remote-Volume-Control-Kit-/310612256490?pt=AU_MobilePhoneAccessories&hash=item4851eee6ea&_uhb=1) looks pretty neat and small, and inexpensive. Is it going to be difficult to implement this to the Stereomour?

[Paul Birkeland]

That should be pretty easy, I'd just be sure the seller lets you know what the power requirements are.

-PB

[Grainger49]

David,

The Brent Audio surely has a power supply of some sort.  There is voltage needed for the LED lights and needed to move the pot.

Same goes with the linked eBay auction.  It needs some voltage to move the pot.

I'm just saying that if you want remote there is a power supply, either inboard or outboard involved.  I use a Creek OBH-10.

[davidro]

Thanks guys.

I've just learnt that building this thing might be too difficult for me.

Is there some place where I can buy secondhand Bottlehead SET completed?

Sorry if this is something of a taboo question.

Cheers
D

[Paul Birkeland]

I've just learnt that building this thing might be too difficult for me.

I would be very curious about how you came to this conclusion.

[adamct]

I wouldn't give up on the idea of building it yourself. The Bottlehead instructions are exceptionally clear, and there is a large and extremely helpful community here that is always willing and able to provide assistance if anything does go wrong.

One of the great things about a Bottlehead kit is that you can't really "break" it. If you make a mistake, the worst than can happen if you fry a component that costs a dollar or two. Bottlehead can send you a replacement, but it's not as though the whole kit is going to explode in your face.

More importantly, however, building an amp will be a deeply satisfying experience that will enhance your appreciate of music. I had never built ANYTHING before I tackled my first Bottlehead kit, and I've already managed to get two kits assembled and working without any problems whatsoever. Lest you think I'm some sort of engineer, I'm a corporate lawyer with two left thumbs. If I can do it, you can do it. Moreover, it is so much fun, I have two more Bottlehead kits waiting to be assembled!

Best regards,
Adam