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Examples of good usability in hi-fi equipment

The Aiwa 6900MkII, great feature set, functionality, and nice tactile controls that just worked
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traded in a Yamaha TC800 to purchase, really the end of that era, at least for me, as we were already listening to vinyl that had been recorded digitally.
 
Just about every piece of "high end" equipment knob that I rotated or switched during the Eighties felt just like the C-J or the Classe. Alps pots anyone?

My current CJ preamp uses two buttons for up and down volume. I prefer a volume knob - easier and more natural to use.

My Benchmark LA4 preamp has a volume knob, though my only misgiving is the plasticy feel.

My favourite volume knobs I’ve ever used were the SimAudio preamps (only in-store). They are large, metal, beautifully finished with silky smooth action.

Maybe I mentioned earlier in the thread but I had a custom remote built for my two channel system with a nice big knob. No more pushing buttons on small remotes or swiping my d*mned iPhone.
 
The Aiwa 6900MkII, great feature set, functionality, and nice tactile controls that just workedView attachment 296884

traded in a Yamaha TC800 to purchase, really the end of that era, at least for me, as we were already listening to vinyl that had been recorded digitally.
Is that a Yamaha (EDIT) T-1 I espy in the midst of that 'stack'? Cool. :cool:
 
Talking about reliability my NAD C370 after 24 years of use. Did this morning a clean up once every 2 years. Besides replacing 5 years ago 3 small elco's an turning the bloody hot zener diode on the protection circuite board it looks an works still prestine.


Sound like this:

 
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Just about every piece of "high end" equipment knob that I rotated or switched during the Eighties felt just like the C-J or the Classe. Alps pots anyone?
Most likely. The Mod-Squad / Steve McCormack passive pre I ran for 20 some years pots were smooth as glass, impressive feel.
And never even the slightest hint of noise in all that time, same for the input switching.
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My current 5.2.4 system runs (2) Adcom GFA-545 II's =1990>1995, and (1) GFA-5400 =1995>? for base 5 channels,
also (2) GFA-535 II =1990>95 for Atmos overheads. I've set the bias and also DC Offset for the 5400 twice now.
Otherwise amps are as the left the factory 30+ years ago.
Just due to age I may be replacing them at some point with a modern Class D multich but these still sound so good
that nostalgia keeps my hanging on with them. There was a bit of magic in the pairing of Nelson Pass and Adcom way back then. :p

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I'm surprised nobody did mention the Technic SL1200 yet. That device is in it's class the absolute master in usability (next to sound and sturdiness). I don't know a manual turntable that is easier to operate right than that one, with an arm that is compliant to many cartridges and as foolproof as a turntable can be. And it's still one of the better turntables arround for reasonable prices.

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I’ve had a lot of iconic gear (purchased used, often 20 years old, so I know what lasts) but the 1200 is my all time favorite in terms of usability. Some versions have automatic lift, which makes them perfect,

I started with AR, had Dual and Thorens.
 
In terms of user interface, the iPod rotary dial should probably get an honourable mention. (Ok for menus, horrible for entering text of course)!

 
It's certainly not what you've asked, but my Sonos AMP has the best usability of any product I own. I just about never have to interact with it at all, and volume is controlled by my TV HDMI-ARC when using that input or Spotify Connect when using that input. It switches inputs automatically too, so I never have to control that either. It runs cool, so it's tucked away where I never see it.
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If you’re willing to forgive the last eight months, Sonos gear just works. Not great, but in the direction you wish Bose had gone.

Apple made a few stabs at speakers, but Sonos nailed the Apple mystique.
 
Technics in general is that, concerning turntables. My first pair of 1200's survived +20 years of heavy abuse (used all over belgium on raves and parties in all kind of conditions) before they died. I still own a mint 1976 Technics SL1500 (almost 50 years old now) and a mint 2008 Technics SL1200MKII that both got regular use.
 
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