Using Devialet Expert Remote uncomfortable

[k1282]

Hi guys,

I borrowed a Devialet 120 from a hifi specialist store for testing purposes.

I was amazed by the sound and build quality.

However, I had one concern, which bothered me a lot during setup and test:
The Remote

Given that there is not display on the remote or on the front panel of the devialet, I always had to stand up, go to the devialet and check the settings I am changing on the Devialet with regard to treble/source/bass/volume etc.

How do you guys get along with this situation? 

Or are you guys actually mounting devialets like a mirror on the wall, so that you can see the display at all times?

Regards
Kian

[Confused]

I liked this one:
(See pic at the end of the page)
http://devialetchat.com/showthread.php?t...d#pid20281

[no32]

For me the remote is just fine, big smooth wheel , excellent reception , I disabled the middle button and all I have is on/off , source and mute. Very simple
In addition I use programmable remote as part of home theater via its RS232

[Hifi_swlon]

I've now wall mounted mine, and it is obviously far better being able to see the display.

I never really cared about volume or inputs, as they are sort of obvious to guess, but yes - tone controls, SAm % etc are pretty annoying when you can't see the screen. If you forget the button sequence, or need to reset to zero, it's definitely a walk to the machine - which in our house is OK except one that cats settled down in a lap seems a bit unfair to remove just to look at tone levels.

Honestly, it never really bothered me though. It's a quirk I was happy to get by with.

I reserved my true frustrations for Air.

An iOS app update, with all available functions and system display screens would of course solve this for many, but it's not coming. So aim to wall mount if it bothers you, or get one of the free-standing custom stands which also look beautiful.

[rwjr44]

All I normally do is turn it on, sometimes change devices and turn it up. I only have three devices connected so getting from on to the other is a simple count.

[vipnyc]

It is annoying... I don't think there's anyone who would debate that. But it's one of those things that you just deal with because of how good the Devialet is.

My workaround has been to use the iOS app but that's just for source switching and volume.

I would be curious if there is an easy off the shelf rs232 solution or does it all require customs programming?

I'd love to be able to "press a button" on a universal remote or iOS app and have it go to the input and volume since I use the devialet with my main speakers for tv and also for music.

[Damon]

I don't think I'll debate it much, but I don't agree that the remote is disappointing or annoying. If there was no 'blank face' in the remote dial, I doubt anyone would be criticizing the lack of a display. I can't think of any remote that that has a display, so the Dev. remote is not lacking anything.

I use mine only to change volume; I don't fuss with tone controls or inputs, but if I need to, I do get up and go to the unit or use the app; that is a click or two away from whatever app I'm using to control the music. The volume starts at -40 and then I adjust it based on what volume I want.

I find the fact that the Dev. remote works through walls (though not through my refrigerator) an advantage that outweighs the lack of immediate access to controls or settings that I rarely use. Others may find that tradeoff less valuable.

Again, if we didn't see the 'ideal' spot for a big display on the remote, I doubt it would get any mention. In multiple other threads about the remote, someone posted that Devialet did say that to have a lit display on the remote would result in batteries lasting two weeks (plus or minus) rather than two years.

[Cylob]

They could make so much money if they would release a remote with a display.
Me and the few people I know with a Devialet would fork down at least 400 euro's for it.

[Music or sound]

I am not a fan of remotes and like to get up once in a while. As the expert needs a remote mine is just next to it!

[bentrider]

 In multiple other threads about the remote, someone posted that Devialet did say that to have a lit display on the remote would result in batteries lasting two weeks (plus or minus) rather than two years.

I find that hard to believe. Many cameras (I have 2) have 3" LCD displays that turn on only briefly when needed. One or two pairs of AA-sized NiMH batteries do lots of work in those cameras.  They move the lens in and out every time I turn the camera on/off or focus. I am not talking about pocket cameras. I mean auto-focus cameras that look like small SLRs so the lenses are fairly large. The batteries also provide power for the flash, etc..

The display on a Devialet remote could be much smaller than on cameras.  The display on the Devialet units themselves are not that large and they can be easily seen from a much farther distance than a remote is used at. I think a 1" display would be more than adequate. And it would not have to be as bright or detailed as a camera screen.

And as for price----the remote provided is not a plastic cheapy. I bet a plastic remote with a display could be provided as an option when purchasing for a similar price.  Get one or the other. For my money I would prefer they provide one with a display as standard and someone can order an aluminum remote separately if they want.  I would gladly trade the aluminum remote for a cheap plastic one if it had a display.  I don't like the aluminum remote because I have to hold it in my hand and manipulate while standing next to and above the Devialet. I am always afraid I will drop the remote on the Devialet or my stocking feet. But that is just me.