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Adding remote control volume to C28

CDinMB

CDinMB

Active Member
This may be considered heresy, but here goes. Since I‘ve read so much about sketchy volume controls on the C28, I am taking a set it and forget it approach to it’s use. At the moment I am using a power box to turn all my components on and off and setting my C28 at a max volume setting and using a digital remote on the iPhone to change volume. For vinyl listening I am forced to use the volume control on the C28 and am worried it will start getting noisy at some point in the future. Is it possible to replace the old volume control with a newer, sealed one and add remote volume without making wholesale changes to the circuit?
 
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It would involve a number of circuit changes but certainly could be engineered if enough Franklins would be advanced.
 
So, I’m guessing this falls into the not been done before category. Oh, well thought I might get lucky. I am an engineer, so I can engineer it. Was hoping to follow someone else’s path rather than blaze one. But that works too.
 
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No it will not "color the sound" Mcintosh designed it to be completely neutral. Mucking around with the vol control circuitry will however destroy the sonic signature as well as the value of your C28. In addition the vol set to max will pass any unwanted signal or clipped signal to your amp & speakers. which would be certain death to either one. You are placing a lot of trust in a phone or i pad.
 
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Thanks for the replies. I never considered the iPhone to be a time bomb in my system. I had read reducing a digital source volume too much hurts sound quality so I try to keep the iPhone volume between 50-90%, while the C28 and MC30s are never above 11 o’clock. Re reading my post I realized I wasn’t very clear with the “max volume” comment. I meant my max comfortable listen volume which is way lower than the units can deliver.
 
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There are significant packaging challenges just replacing the volume control with a new manual one. That’s why I asked if this had ever been done. I don’t have an immediate need, the volume works fine, and I like the sound of the C28 so this is just future planning for the worst case scenario.
 
CDinMB said:
There are significant packaging challenges just replacing the volume control with a new manual one. That’s why I asked if this had ever been done. I don’t have an immediate need, the volume works fine, and I like the sound of the C28 so this is just future planning for the worst case scenario.
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Repair solutions for the C28's volume control have been developed at Audio Classics. No need to worry about that.

CDinMB said:
Thanks! Real experience helps a lot! I guess a search for a CR7 is the answer.
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The other benefits of the CR7 are its switched outlets (1800W capacity, ample for most entire systems) as well as input selection of up to three inputs via remote control. It's a very purposeful unit with specs to match. Even if your main preamplifier is out for service, the CR7 will allow you to continue to use your system serving as basic preamp.

The CR7 also interfaces with MR7083/7082 and MR80 tuners for remote control as well. Really a no-brainer at ~ $200 +/- as far as I'm concerned.
 
stereocuuple said:
Exactly how do suggest he install that pot and motor in the space provided in the C28?
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And a picture of the bottom has exactly what to do with the volume pot placement?

Hint: it's on the upperside, right hand corner...

One can easily install various pots in the C-28 to replace the cheap crappy one originally installed. There is a small industry around replacing these pots. A motorised ALPS will fit- I've done it. The tape out 1/4" jack is a good location for the IR photodiode or if one is squeamish about removing a useless front panel socket that is never used, the photodiode can be placed under the front edge and barely visible.

The addition of remote volume is a useful and fully reversible improvement to vintage gear for those who value convenience. I don't really care myself one way or the other, but older, less mobile audiophiles really appreciate not having to trudge across the loungeroom to adjust the volume on gear they have come to know and love.

Often, there is a significant improvement in SQ, because of the poor quality of the ancient volume pots that were noisy, tracked poorly and were intermittent.

Much classic old gear was traded in or dumped in the early 90s when older people wanted remote volume. Sadly, most of them moved on to early AVRs and wondered why their SQ dropped.
 
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what do you know I posted the wrong image. My bad since I have only owned about 10 c28's in my life but by all means do as you will. I know of not one person who would butcher up a fine mcintosh preamp like that.
 
stereocuuple said:
...butcher up ...
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I prefer the surgical approach. Considerably more precise, educated and knives are much sharper. ;)

When a 80 year old bedridden man asks me to make his beloved McIntosh remote controlled, who am I to sit on my high horse and say it shouldn't be done?

Get real, it's just a 48 year old preamplifier- it's not the Mona Lisa. That said, the Mc is more attractive if you ask me..
 
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Prices on eBay have quickly jumped to $450-475! More than I paid for the C28! I may just stick with a manual volume. Wife says I need the exercise.
 
CDinMB said:
Prices on eBay have quickly jumped to $450-475! More than I paid for the C28! I may just stick with a manual volume. Wife says I need the exercise.
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one of those dose not have a remote. those prices are just stupid keep looking
 
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