The play is not in the longitudinal axis.

Assuming the play on my rr2150 is similar to that on others, then if one manually, turns the volume up; then, when turning the volume down manually, there is a bit of play (about 1 or 2mm), and vice versa. When using the remote to change the volume, there is no play; but the granularity of change may be larger than desired. Quick taps do work, and may yield the desired change. It is not that hard to get the hang of.

In my opinion, the standard volume change on the remote seems to be calibrated for the phono input. This works for me, as the phono stage of the rr2150 is a real treat.