joepesci

I think that this component is already in a price range where we can expect a sophisticated remote. I don't think that the 321 remote is one, the plastic top ruins it. But you are right, many companies fail when it comes to remote design and remote quality. With Livio Cucuzza Wadia has a very capable designer, and the 321 remote is definitely not from him. He should change it. I already have a proposal for him, basically the Wadia 321 design screams to be copied by its remote: This is with a milled and brushed aluminium unibody, black glass top and black aluminium buttons. It matches the design of the 321. Same size as the existing remote. The white text on the glass top of the remote would be the same type as the one on the DAC (it's missing for the buttons). Don't ask me how to put the batteries in it, it's just a quick concept. It may sound strange, but for me the remote quality and design is a definite reason to exclude a component, and I don't see why so many companies fail at such an easy task. I'm willing to pay extra for a good remote as an additional option. Gato Audio does it that way, I think their remote is $500 extra. Just a few examples of nice remotes. The first one is from Boulder, the best I've ever seen (I know, Boulder is a different universe). The second one is from Gato Audio. I know that most of you think that I'm overreacting, and that's probably true. Most customers seem to accept plastic remotes on components costing a few thousand dollars, or even as much as a car.

The plastic remote is not acceptable, even for $3k. I hope they have something that matches the appearance and quality of the device. Another question is, can it be connected directly to power amplifiers or powered speakers?