The chintzy knob...

Has anyone besides me considered replacing the 950 knob with something like machined aluminum.
I rarely use it, relying mostly on the remote, but it seems a nice replacement would be in order for a few bucks.

I like the fact that the knob is soft and squishy - if I have to run to turn down the volume, I won't hurt my fingers from impacting a too-hard knob. YMMV

Jeeezzz, that might be fine in a motor vehicle where one might hit the knob with their forehead in a panic stop!
I would like the heft of a volume control you get even from an older Pioneer or Onkyo receiver.
It certainly does nothing for the sound, but would be a nice touch.

You could always fashion a knob out of depleted uranium, which should prove to be dense enough.

I replaced the black knobs on a graphic equalizer once, with chrome plated plastic knobs, and the improvement in sound was nothing short of spectacular.

Same here! It was like a veil had been lifted from the soundstage. I don't think the herbal substance I was smoking at the time had any influence....

That's what I'm talking about!
Now I have some incentive, there may actually be some damping effect having a more substanstial knob on the shaft for the volume control.
It would serve to reduce any tendency for the control to 'hunt' between detent positions, don't you think?
Not the mention it could serve as an isolation point for any harmonic vibrations generated across the chassis. While they may get transferred to the knob through the shaft, it is unlikely any of significance wouuld be reflected back, considering the mass of the knob.
I had no idea you guys were so understanding of the finer points of home theater improvememt.

You're welcome - glad to be of assistance!

[This message has been edited by soundhound (edited August 19, 2003).]

Just curious, as I have not had my 950 that long, but the soft knob on my Newcastle would pull off and there hidden away was a full reset buttton to default. That was useful to me and it was not in the Newcastle Manual, I got it from a Tech with them to solve a problem quickly. I have used the remote exclusively with the 950, it covers everything I need so I have not paid a lot attention to the front controls except for my 1st day when Outlaw forgot to include my remote and I had to wait and extra day to get it.

[This message has been edited by OFCCM (edited August 20, 2003).]

OFCCM -- There is a reset button tucked under the 950's volume knob, too. It is included in the event that the 950 locks up and cannot be reset by unplugging it. From page 45 of the manual (Yes, I have flipped through the 950's manual a few times... ):



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gonk -- Saloon Links | Pre/Pro Comparison Chart | 950 Review

Gonk,

So much for my attention to detail

Just out of curiosity, is the 950's volume control the same finely crafted device that is on the 1050?

Using my volume knob on the 1050 is like taking a short trip to Wonderland. Turning it quickly in either direction seldom results in a lasting change. For example if you turn the volume up quickly and it goes up a little then down a little all without changing direction. Sometimes the net result is no change at all! Turning the volume down to zero so I could run the calibration test took over a minute. A sort of down 2 up 1 down 3 up 3 down 2 up 1 type adventure, that makes the quality of the knob itself irrelevant.

Its certainly not something I can explain to my better half, so as I ponder an upgrade, I am hoping the 950's volume control actually works.

With my 1050, I did experience the "mind of its own" behavior some, although not as often as some others have reported. In over a year with the 950, I have never seen any similar confusion. The knob looks the same, but I believe that the volume control behind it is a different device.

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gonk -- Saloon Links | Pre/Pro Comparison Chart | 950 Review

I've only had my 950 for a couple of weeks, but I use the volume knob a lot. Personally, I like the feel of it. It's got a very smooth movement. The squishy is nice, too, because I frequently bang my head on stuff.

The only thing I would like is something I had on my Onkyo - a tiny red LED on the edge of the knob that showed when the volume knob is moving. My wife can't read the display from our couch

I have had no problems with it being innacurate, either.

-Joe

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Remember the Intellivision?
http://www.gotmaille.com/nostalgia/

What ever turns your knob....er..I mean ...rings your bell..

The original topic has to do with the knob itself, the 'feel' of the control it is attached to, is just fine IMO. Strictly a cosmetic detail, I admit.