Thanks guys, I have decided to go with no digital displays and a clean simple look. The volume and mute control knobs are LARGE - 2" dia. and the indicator is a .25" round dimple that should be visible from across the room.
I have kept with my preferred minimalist approach. I hope that the knobs and their indicators alone will give the visual that people want.
I understand the desire to be precise (i.e. visible digits and db readings) for comparing cables, etc. To be honest, when I listen to music, if it isn't loud enough, I turn it up
. If the balance is needed to adjust for any impbalance, I would expect it to be a set and forget type of thing. For those who don't want the extra potentiometer in the signal path, we offer the ability to disable the balance control.
One of the things that we added to this model, in addition to improved sonics and aesthetics, is convenience.
From the remote you can do the following:
Volume +/-.
Mute.
Enable/disable bal. control.
Input select.
Monitor input select - bypasses all other inputs and directly selects Monitor input only.
Power on/off
Standby/Operate
Trigger (2 output triggers) remote amps or pre/pro.
The remote will be plastic for this model, given the price-point.
My philosophy is about the remote control is as follows:
We will offer a metal remote for our higher end products eventually and will offer this as an add cost option for the LS 100. But, I couldn't see sacrificing parts quality or sonics in order to budget in the cost of a metal remote for this product.
Compared to our 9.0SE that the LS 100 replaces:
9.0SE remote controls included:
Vol. +/-
Mute.
We have added the following:
An additional main out - a total of three main outs.
Five inputs + monitor input = 6 total.
Separate Home Theater Bypass - HT/BP - operable when unit is powered off.
Standby mode.
Remote trigger outs.
Optional phono or DAC upgrade (user installable).
Balance control (defeatable).
This is a very special product and I look forward to people's feedback once we begin shipping next month.
Sincerely,
Dan