View Full Version : Remote prices - WHAT!
I thought I'd see if my new (to me) Bryston DAC has a remote option. It does .... that will be £400 thank you (http://www.hifisound.co.uk/analogue-c49/accessory-zone-c13/br2-remote-p1564/s3113).
WWWWWHHHHHAAAAAATTTTTT!
In a world where Schiit offer a replacement remote for $18 (http://www.schiit.com/products/sagafreya-remote), how can anyone charge hundreds of pounds for a remote
walpurgis
15-01-2018, 10:03
Free delivery though. :D
That is pricey. There are significant differences in quality and facilities between them though.
Agreed there are differences - but £380 difference?
Primalsea
15-01-2018, 10:17
Often you will find that what you have to pay is not what the item/service is worth, but a figure that represents what the supplier needs to make for it to be worthwhile. Smaller more dynamic companies don’t tend not to have large overheads, like larger companies do. Also no high end company is going to charge a reassuringly expensive amount that is inline with their positioning in the market.
If you can find out which binary codes it uses you could source a cheapie? I may be wrong bit I think that a lot of them for audio use the Philips protocol.
Are they in plastic cases? Looks like it. Bet they are made in China, 2 quid a pop landed providing you buy a pallet of them.
I wouldn't spend £400 on a DAC let alone the remote control for a DAC. Just nuts.
hifi_dave
15-01-2018, 11:29
You would think that if a product had remote facilities that the company would include a remote control with it. That's just mean, especially considering the high prices of Bryston.
walpurgis
15-01-2018, 11:34
I don't know what functions are required, but if it's just volume and inputs, maybe a simple learning remote would do the trick.
Something like this: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Full-Aluminum-black-shell-Universal-learning-remote-controller/272659970538?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649
prestonchipfryer
15-01-2018, 11:35
Taking the p+ss for sure. Just plain greed in my view. ;)
'Usually dispatched within 72 hours' - that's because they go on a 2 day bender with your £400 first.
BR2 Remote Control
The Bryston BR2 is a multi product handheld remote control which is optional for all Bryston products with remote capabilities. The BR2 also includes special function codes which customize performance.
Features:
Available for use with multiple Bryston products
Solid machined aluminum enclosure and push buttons
Motion sensing backlight with power saving ambient light sensor
Only available in black
Supports:
BP26, BP17, BP16, BP6 Preamplifiers
B100, B135, B60R, and B100³ Integrated Amplifiers
BCD-1, BCD-3, and BCD-3 CD Player
BDA-1, BDA-2, and BDA-3 External DAC
BDP-1, BDP-1USB, BDP-2, and BDP-3 Digital Player
Not plastic, machined from billet aluminium
.
Not plastic, machined from billet aluminium
.
That's okay then. Except I have an XTZ amp here with a remote machined from a billet of aluminium. The amp was just over £700, brand new, delivered. No extra for the remote. And the amp has a DAC built in.
Stratmangler
15-01-2018, 12:42
From what I can see the XTZ remote controls just the amplifier.
The Bryston one controls just about everything they've ever made. All the CDPs/BDPs/Preamps/DACs, you name it. It will doubtless come with a long guarantee too, although probably not the 25 year one they give with their amplification.
Beobloke
15-01-2018, 12:52
That's okay then. Except I have an XTZ amp here with a remote machined from a billet of aluminium. The amp was just over £700, brand new, delivered. No extra for the remote. And the amp has a DAC built in.
XTZ equipment is made in China. Bryston isn't.
hifi_dave
15-01-2018, 13:30
But do Bryston buy their remotes from China ?
No excuse for the exorbitant price, especially when other companies include them as part of the equipment price.
If you don't like it you don't buy it. I think it's more a reflection of the market Bryston operate in. Folk with deeper pockets.
hifi_dave
15-01-2018, 14:03
Folk with deeper pockets still don't want to get ripped off.
hifi_dave
15-01-2018, 14:23
Sorry, I don't understand..:scratch:
I don't think dealers need to comment on whether something is overpriced.
Logitech Harmony remotes (https://www.logitech.com/en-gb/harmony-universal-remotes) work with the DAC, so I'll use that. I'll programme it to work with my other hifi too, then I'll only need the one remote.
The problem isn't me getting remote control of the DAC (which after all is only so that I can change the input to the DAC without lifting my fat arse out of the chair), it's just the price of the unit was a surprise. £400 is just madness.
Stratmangler
15-01-2018, 14:38
Folk with deeper pockets still don't want to get ripped off.
It's not a rip off!
A little digging around reveals that the remote has a 20 year guarantee.
Does any one of the brands you carry as an Audio Dealer give that kind of guarantee on their remotes? I strongly doubt it.
It's not a rip off!
A little digging around reveals that the remote has a 20 year guarantee.
Does any one of the brands you carry as an Audio Dealer give that kind of guarantee on their remotes? I strongly doubt it.
It's a total rip off. Can't believe anyone is attempting to defend it. I've got remotes here well over 20 years old. Nothing wrong with them. It's a bog standard remote in a metal case.
Sorry but for £400 I want a remote made from platinum and gold with rubies for buttons.
As for it not being made in China, are we quite sure about that? Even if it is assembled in the USA I bet all the components and the case are from China.
Just ridiculous.
Stratmangler
15-01-2018, 15:15
I've got remotes here well over 20 years old. Nothing wrong with them
No wife or kids then ....
Biggest cause of broken anything known to mankind.
Given the cost of Bryston kit £400 probably isn't that bad. I suspect there is already a healthy mark up before it leaves the factory.
Given the cost of Bryston kit £400 probably isn't that bad. I suspect there is already a healthy mark up before it leaves the factory.
Their DAC is 'only' £2.4K. Compared to the remote that's a bargain. I mean you get a whole case with a DAC in it and everything! (except a remote control).
No wife or kids then ....
Biggest cause of broken anything known to mankind.
Yes, no wife or offspring, so I can actually afford to pay £400 for a remote control. But hell would freeze over first, even if I had millions stashed away.
Stratmangler
15-01-2018, 15:31
Their DAC is 'only' £2.4K. Compared to the remote that's a bargain. I mean you get a whole case with a DAC in it and everything! (except a remote control).
Possibly the original owner of the OP's new (to him) DAC kept the remote coz it's so fricking expensive.
There you go then. If you've 2.4 large to spend on a dac what's 400 quid for a remote matter?
Probably a fair price considering their price structure. Replacement plastic remotes from maker if you can get them are probably £60 or so so 10%
That's 15/20% but is ali and has a long no quibble guarantee
Possibly the original owner of the OP's new (to him) DAC kept the remote coz it's so fricking expensive.
I imagine he has it encased in Perspex and mounted on his mantelpiece: 'I've just been made redundant but don't worry love, I'll sell the Bryson remote and we can pay the rest of the mortgage off.'
Stratmangler
15-01-2018, 15:38
Yes, no wife or offspring, so I can actually afford to pay £400 for a remote control. But hell would freeze over first, even if I had millions stashed away.
I understand and sympathise with your viewpoint.
I wouldn't splash out on flash cars if my lottery numbers came up, and I wouldn't be chucking money at expensive watches and the like either.
If I'd shelled out on an all Bryston system then a remote might just be the required thing.
I understand and sympathise with your viewpoint.
I wouldn't splash out on flash cars if my lottery numbers came up, and I wouldn't be chucking money at expensive watches and the like either.
If I'd shelled out on an all Bryston system then a remote might just be the required thing.
I'd sell the Bryston and buy a system from someone who isn't going to stick it to me for the remote. NAD, probably...
Seriously though, I don't care that it sells for £400, I don't care that there are people who would pay £400. I'm not trying to make any moral or political point about conspicuous consumption and Veblen goods. I don't care about that one way or the other. I just find it really amusing that a remote control costs £400.
hifi_dave
15-01-2018, 15:52
I don't think dealers need to comment on whether something is overpriced.
I was under the impression that this is a forum where members comment, chat, advise and generally partake in conversations. As a "dealer" I actually pay to be here and so I consider I have the right to make comments. Also, as a "dealer" I have an insight into what things cost and markups, so my comments are as valid as any other.
I was under the impression that this is a forum where members comment, chat, advise and generally partake in conversations. As a "dealer" I actually pay to be here and so I consider I have the right to make comments. Also, as a "dealer" I have an insight into what things cost and markups, so my comments are as valid as any other.
you do have the right to comment Dave:) so no more of that please Andrew..:)
southall-1998
15-01-2018, 16:05
Fecking rip-off. Straight-up!
S.
Stomped on by the commercial muscle I exit stage left.
Spectral Morn
15-01-2018, 16:36
Stomped on by the commercial muscle I exit stage left.
Sorry Andrew but all members have a right to comment. Dave wasn't trying to sell anything out of line simply bringing trade experience into a thread, and that is always a welcome thing if it fits the thread as is anyone's knowledge and views. No one stomped on anyone.
RothwellAudio
15-01-2018, 16:39
Stomped on by the commercial muscle I exit stage left.
Being reminded that members have a right to comment and express an opinion is hardly being "stomped on", is it? :scratch:
hifinutt
15-01-2018, 17:18
remind me to avoid any company that charges 400 quid for a remote, thats obscene
Minstrel SE
15-01-2018, 17:19
What £400 for a remote! I know there is equipment that the oil sheiks buy but £400 for that remote is a rip off. I was expecting to see a machined billet with gold etching.
Its a market where many manufacturers know they have you by the short and curlies but that is ridiculous.
Crackles
15-01-2018, 22:20
'Usually dispatched within 72 hours' - that's because they go on a 2 day bender with your £400 first.🤣
Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk
I had a BDA-2, I just used a Logitech Harmony 250 which was £28. You can control all of the functions and the on/off. You can assign the buttons where you want as well. It took about 10 minutes from getting the remote out of the packaging to having it working.
You can do the same for BDA-1, BDA-2 and BDA-3, they are all listed when you do the setup.
As others mention, you can have the remote control other gear too if you want to as that's what they are really designed for.
paulf-2007
16-01-2018, 19:24
What £400 for a remote! I know there is equipment that the oil sheiks buy but £400 for that remote is a rip off. I was expecting to see a machined billet with gold etching.
Its a market where many manufacturers know they have you by the short and curlies but that is ridiculous.i don't think they have anyone by the short and curlies, it's your money and you make your own choice on who you give it to. Had the op bought new, I would have expected him to know if it had remote control and whether it came with one. Personally I wouldn't pay 2.4k for a Dac but if I lost the plot and was considering it I would change my mind when I found out the remote wasn't included.
I had to read this twice. It's not even gold plated! Ditto what Rob says, try and get the codes.
I bet there are folk on here who have paid more for a piece of wire.
I bet there are folk on here who have paid more for a piece of wire.
No doubt, and why not :)
£400 remotes a joke (to me), but hey..its a buyers market, will be worth it to someone.
What you need to do is work out how many times you walk too the amp to adjust volume/inputs etc. Calculate the average wear per trip to the HiFi, or if unknown work out how many pairs slippers per year, I'm thinking they're probably replaced about the end of December each year.
Multiply that by 20 ( years of warranty on remote ). This should give you total cost per year of walking to the HiFi. If it's less than £400 just walk to the HiFi each time, if it's more then...... [emoji4]
That should tell you if the £400 is worth it or not. However there is a big issue in this calculation, what if you don't live 20 years [emoji23][emoji23][emoji23][emoji23][emoji23]
paulf-2007
17-01-2018, 11:43
What you need to do is work out how many times you walk too the amp to adjust volume/inputs etc. Calculate the average wear per trip to the HiFi, or if unknown work out how many pairs slippers per year, I'm thinking they're probably replaced about the end of December each year.
Multiply that by 20 ( years of warranty on remote ). This should give you total cost per year of walking to the HiFi. If it's less than £400 just walk to the HiFi each time, if it's more then...... [emoji4]
That should tell you if the £400 is worth it or not. However there is a big issue in this calculation, what if you don't live 20 years [emoji23][emoji23][emoji23][emoji23][emoji23]
A life time guarantee would be better,
A life time guarantee would be better,[emoji23][emoji23][emoji23][emoji23][emoji23]
I've finally sat down and programmed a Logitech Harmony 600 (I had to nab my wife's laptop as the Logitech software doesn't work on my Linux laptop) I had doing nothing (we'd tried it to control out TV set up, but my wife didn't like it - too complicated).
The Harmony 600 works fine with the Bryston BDA-1. The inputs are displayed in the small display at the top of the remote, so it's very easy to select the input I want.
And ... the remote also works with my Schiit Sage Pre-amp, Marantz NA7004 (which I now just use as a DAB radio), and Rega Apollo CD player. So I've managed to put away a small collection of remotes.
The 600 isn't available new any more, but the 650 (https://www.logitech.com/en-gb/harmony-universal-remotes) is about £80.
I'm a great fan of the Logitech 350, which is very simple to use, and wife friendly. We've used one to control our TV/PVR/DVD/Amp in our lounge for many years. However, I think the 600 is better for my Hi-Fi setup as the screen makes it a little more flexible.
https://secure.logitech.com/assets/26397/26397.png
ive been considering getting one for a while. just felt it might be too much for me these days
Oh! and by "programming" I mean: opening the MyHarmony software, connecting the remote, adding a "New device", and entering "Bryston" and then "BDA-1". Job done. Sync the remote and all the inputs were there to select in the remote display.
Grant,
My brother's a big fan of the cleverer Harmony Remotes, but I want something simpler. I cannot over state how much I like the Harmony 350. It's everything I want in a TV remote, and they are only £40. The Logitech software, while not prefect, is by far and away the best software I've seen for programming a remote control. Logitech have a huge database of compatible devices, so it is usually just a case of entering the manufacturer and model name. If you only have four devices to control, the 350 is great. If you've got more devices, or the inputs are a little more complex, then I think you need to move up the range.
This is the simpler 350:
https://assets.logitech.com/assets/54199/gallery-1.png
birthday is coming up :eyebrows:
Thinking out the box...
Got an android phone?
A few of them have IR Blasters built in, and theres a lot of good universal remote apps.
Nice big screen to work with too.
If your phones not got one, what about an older 2nd hand phone that does?
Could work out cheaper.
Thinking out the box...
Got an android phone?
A few of them have IR Blasters built in, and theres a lot of good universal remote apps.
Nice big screen to work with too.
If your phones not got one, what about an older 2nd hand phone that does?
Could work out cheaper.
got a few and a tablet but none have the blaster afaik alas. it was more for the little bt3's as the remote is useless.
checked on the logitech site and they all do the bt3 and the oppo if needed .. sure they will do the tv. its bog standard
stairpost
14-02-2018, 16:54
I hope we never get to the stage where a remote costs £400 and no one says how much??!!!!
There you go then. If you've 2.4 large to spend on a dac what's 400 quid for a remote matter?
So the presumption is, if you've got the disposable income necessary to purchase said DAC, you've got more money than sense to spend on an overpriced remote control? ;)
Being able to afford something easily, or otherwise, doesn't automatically rob one of one's common sense and desire to obtain value for money. This remote control nonsense is indicative of how anything used in a high-end hi-fi context attracts a ridiculous premium.
'Professional record cleaners', anyone? A vacuum pump, with a rotating platter in a cheap chipboard box, yours for £500.... And can someone remind me how much Linn charge for a replacement plastic lid for an LP12?
£100 for a stylus pressure gauge, identical to the mass-produced Chinese variety, sold on ebay for a mere fraction of the price, simply because it comes with an 'audiophile badge'? :rolleyes:
And there are 100s, if not 1000s of examples of such ridiculously inflated prices, for fairly basic items, simply because they're being applied for hi-fi purposes. Only idiots with more money than sense don't consider that before opening their wallets.
Marco.
The latter has landed on his feet by happenstance, and lives relatively free of commitments, involvements, or passions, but he doesn't even bother really to cook for himself, and goes out to cafes because he can with little impact on his finances. He has two houses which are in turmoil and need refurbishing, and has bought a third, I feel to avoid the responsibility for the mess the others are in, and he seems to throw money at a problem rather than get involved.
The problem with the latter, as I see it, is that he is sabotaging his quality of life by not getting involved in things, exploring his inner self, and discovering new experiences, which to me will enrich his life, and in his position he could do so well. He also visits a nearby lady who has inherited a lot from her ex husband, a sea Captain, and she wastes it because she does not know its value, and she is exploited with extortionate prices, she not realising it. He points this out to me in conversation.
Where there is excessive wealth, there will I suspect always be those who do not appreciate its value and power, and they are ripe for businesses to exploit, and we see this in the audio sphere because we have some understanding of it; milking the rich has become a strategy for living for some.
walpurgis
15-02-2018, 10:13
milking the rich has become a strategy for living for some.
Some wealthy folk are very shrewd and you'd be lucky to even wring a penny from them.
Some wealthy folk are very shrewd and you'd be lucky to even wring a penny from them.
thats how they got wealthy;)
Lol... Thing is, only the brainlessly wealthy roll over and allow themselves to be so royally ripped off.... ;)
Marco.
Beobloke
15-02-2018, 12:49
Some wealthy folk are very shrewd and you'd be lucky to even wring a penny from them.
Ah but are they like that because they are rich and want to stay that way, or did they get rich by being like it? When I was a visitor to our, now sadly closed, local car boot sale there was a regular who used to turn up to look round in an immaculate 1978 Rolls Royce Silver Shadow. I always wondered if he could afford the car because he shopped at car boot sale, or if he was forced to shop at a car boot sale because he owned the car!
I was under the impression that you could by a decent 1970s Roller for three or four grand? I suppose running costs aren't cheap but if you only take it out on weekends that's not much of an issue.
walpurgis
15-02-2018, 14:55
I was under the impression that you could by a decent 1970s Roller for three or four grand?
Not much chance of that these days. Probably more like eight to twenty grand depending on nick and seller.
Not much chance of that these days. Probably more like eight to twenty grand depending on nick and seller.
Yes, I forget I am more than ten years out of date now. You can still get one for a few grand but they don't look mint https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2499334.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.H0.Xrols+royc e+silver+shadow.TRS0&_nkw=rols+royce+silver+shadow&_sacat=9801
I have more sense than money - wish it were the other way around. :cool:
Gotta keep doing the National Lottery I suppose.
I have more sense than money - wish it were the other way around. :cool:
Gotta keep doing the National Lottery I suppose.
It might be easier to get someone to bash you around the head with a baseball bat. Same result.
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