Adding Remote Capability to Jolida 502B Tube Amp possibly by Analog Metric?

[James Johnson]

I have a old Jolida 502A tube amp that I love and adore but do wish it had a remote control capability for a few analog sources. Analog Metric makes what appears to be a high quality add-on kit. The "ALPS IR Remote Control Volume & Input Selector & LCD Kit (100K, 5 Channels & 4 to 1 Way)". Already have Emotiva XDA-2 DAC.

They are based out of Hong Kong which makes me a bit nervous. If anyone has experience with Analog Metric or knows of a similar high quality add-on remote, I am all ears.

Key Features:

IR Remote Control Volume Kit
· IR remote control
· Audio volume control supports up to 6 single-end signals or 3 balanced signals.
· Audio volume control supports up to5 single-end signals or2 balanced signals if using LCD module.
· Functions with mute and power on/off.
· Uses 6 channel motor VR.
· Built-in regulation circuit.
· Power requirement: 8-15V DC
· PCB dimension: 150mm x 78mm, thickness 2.5mm, with 2oz copper.

Input Selector Kit
· Support up to four single-ended and one balanced input for both R and L channels.
· Blue LEDs for indicator.
· Built-in voltage regulator.
· Required DC supply voltage 8-15V, and which can be supplied by tube amp.
· PCB Dimension: 120mm(L) x 53mm(W)

LCD Module Kit
· Display channel 1-4 number, volume level in percentage and bar, power on/off and mute.
· Contrast and brightness control by resistor trimmers.
· Built-in voltage regulator.
· LCD Back-lighting
· Required DC supply voltage 8-15V.
· PCB Dimension: 48mm(L) x 8mm(W)

Photo:

 

[WaynePflughaupt]

A naked circuit board with hardwired inputs? That’s be more than enough to get a thumbs down from me - not exactly rack or user friendly. I’d try to score a ’90s vintage Chase Technologies RLC-1 (Remote Line Controller) on ebay. It has inputs for four analog sources.

Specs and particulars:

• Controls all audio functions such as volume, balance, mute and input switching
• Power on/off controls is 500 watt switched relay for central AC control
• 4 line level inputs 2 main outputs
• Bass and treble tone controls
• Connects through tape monitor or can serve as main control center
• L.E.D. array serves as multi-function status indicator
• Frequency response: 20HZ to 20KHZ +- 1dB
• THD/IMD: 0.05%
• S/N Ratio: 105dB
• Channel Separation: 100dB
• CrossTalk: -110dB
• Input Impedence: 100 K/Ohms
• Output Impedence: 50 Ohms


Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt

 

[James Johnson]

Wayne,

I appreciate your input but I am trying to avoid IC chip based volume control and want the balanced inputs and outputs. Also I have an old half rack DAC case with 4 push buttons I can use for front panel selection. I still have not pulled the trigger but it appears I may be able to use it as part of a project with some junior engineers. If I get this blessed, I will let you know the outcome.

I will say this, that Chase Technologies RLC 1 Remote Controller has some great specifications and I did find one for half the price of the unit I am considering.


V/R,
JJ

 

[WaynePflughaupt]

Wayne,

I appreciate your input but I am trying to avoid IC chip based volume control and want the balanced inputs and outputs.

I that case I suggest trying to find a late-model stereo pre-amp. In earlier years models with both remote control and balanced and outs were pretty rare.

Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt