What do you guys think of this IR volume control?

[manlystanley]

What do you guys think of this IR volume control kit: IR Remote Control Volume Kit (100K) (6 channels)_Volume Control_Accessories Kit_Analog Metric Limited - DIY Audio Kit

Also, I do need a 100K pot, correct?

Thanks,
Stan

[SemperFi]

Doesn't use tubes...must be crap!

[nightanole]

No you dont need a pot, it comes with one. It comes with everything you need but the 12volt power supply. Id just pick up a small 12v switch mode on ebay ment for a notebook or something similar. The power supply can be as crappy as you want since its a passive volume control. The signal never comes into contact with the power supply. The 12v or what ever will just be converted to 5 volts on board and regulated

PS: Looks like it switches inputs too.

[SY]

It's not clear if the unit is set up so that the pot can be used without other supporting analog circuitry. If it can be, then that's a unit I'd certainly like to have for my (wished-for) all-tube DCX2496 conversion.

[kavermei]

Originally Posted by nightanole

The power supply can be as crappy as you want since its a passive volume control. The signal never comes into contact with the power supply.

Assuming the supply doesn't put any noise back on the mains, draws no harmonic current, and has perfect EMI shielding, yes...

[Evenharmonics]

I've got one of these (similar) and it only needs 9 - 12 VAC to power up. Cheap toroidal PT works fine.

[TheGimp]

One comment on the first unit:

The inputs are poorly positioned with respect to panel mounting via the pot retainer nut.
The wires may be pushed against the panel.

Evenharmonics, does the MV04 support manual mute?

[nightanole]

Originally Posted by kavermei

Assuming the supply doesn't put any noise back on the mains, draws no harmonic current, and has perfect EMI shielding, yes...

I assumed it was going to be a wall wart. The incoming is regulated with a 7805. I was under the impression a smps with a linear regulated output was less noisy then a simple transformer/lm317 sort of deal.

[TheGimp]

That is possibly true, IF the swtiching frequency is high enough. If it is below 40KHz then it may not be (not likely considering current switcher trends for higher frequency).

[Evenharmonics]

Originally Posted by TheGimp

Evenharmonics, does the MV04 support manual mute?

Manual mute, you mean turning the volume knob down? If so, yes. There is a mute button on the remote and when I press it, it turns the volume pot down all the way, not a cut off type of mute. My disc player has a mute button that cuts off the sound immediately so it's not an issue for me.