Quote:
Originally Posted by Still-One
Philip
The two "knobs" on the right are what have me questioning the design. I would have preferred only have the volume control around the ceneter meter and having the remote control do the rest of the work.
Jim
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Jim,
Truth be told, like you, I was in fact quite taken aback when I first saw those 2 rotary knobs, as they somehow didn't quite fit or look the part in the overall scheme of things.
However, upon further reflection, if I had to make a guess (and I could be wrong), since Dan's meter and needle design is based on Abraham-Louis Breguet's watches, and given Breguet’s history in the development and manufacture of aviation-inspired timepieces, the rotary knobs are shaped like propellers. So I believe that Dan is trying to maintain a consistent theme here.
Personally, I would have preferred the meter in the center to sport a large digital volume indicator, as opposed to the needle. But then I guess Dan wants to keep the needle theme consistent with the monoblock & stereo amps.
Be that as it may, I myself do like things to have a certain amount of visual symmetry as well as uniformity. Other than the crescent-shaped indicator lights above the 2 knobs, in general, everything (meter, buttons & knobs) is circular in shape on the faceplate of the preamp.....but a tad too distinct for my liking (but that may change when I get to see the preamp in person).
Although I don't know the first thing about design, for me, if either side of the meter was populated by all buttons or populated by all propeller-like knobs, then in my view, that would give it the visual symmetry that I do much prefer.
Then again, the more I look at the propeller-like knobs, the more I kind of like them. In fact, coming to think of it, if mini propeller-like knobs replaced the buttons, the preamp would look quite unique and interesting - but I guess that's just me.
That being said, I'm not so sure if I'ed want to see just a volume control ring around the meter coupled with a smooth/clean faceplate, as I think it is useful/important that there is some sought of indication on the faceplate as to what input is currently in use as well as what settings the tone controls are at any given time, rather than just simply rely on the RF enabled remote control for control and/or indication. In addition, while it is important that the Momentum preamp and amps follow a similar theme, I also would want the preamp to be appropriately visually distinct from the amps.
End of the day, it would be interesting to see if other D.D. Momentum clients share the same view as Bob (
vintage_tube), Frank (
Franklmu) and yourself.
Having said that, it is safe to say that I'm currently neutral as far as the preamp's latest aesthetic form is concerned, but it remains to be seen if Dan's preamp can significantly raise the sonic performance bar when paired either with his monoblock or stereo amps - that is what I am most eagerly looking forward to finding out.
Philip