Emotiva Audio CF-Unbalanced Control Freak

I use Dirac Live software to provide room correction, and it detected a slight volume imbalance when using this. It also actually swaps the channels and adds an extremely large amount of distortion at very (and I mean very) low volume settings.The device itself is very nice from a design perspective. The material selection is good. I also really like the cord design with the fabric like sleeve. The bottom surface provides enough friction, but I would prefer it be just a little bit stickier. The texture of the knob is just fantastic, and it has the perfect amount of resistance. It's not too easy to turn but not too hard. My only complaint here is it is a little difficult to see where it is set in low light, and even in good light there's no clear indication where 0% and 100% are. Practically, though, this doesn't really matter all that much the way I use it.It is an acceptable solution, and, honestly, there aren't a lot of devices like this available. I replaced an old Fostex volume knob with this one due to the larger profile and more aesthetically pleasing design.What I can't get over is the odd distortion at low levels. That this somehow got past QA bugs me quite a bit, which is why I can only justify a 3 star rating. However, please understand, that this is only an issue for the first few degrees from zero. I highly doubt anyone would realistically listen at such a low volume.

Great feel and ergonomics to the dial itself. The cabling though, it is too stiff, and not color marked for easy L/R differentiation.Worst thing about this controller is it's SOUND. yes, it has it's own sound, because I can easily hear that it detracts from the transparency of my system. It makes the sound duller compared to a direct connection of the dac to the power amp with an accordingly (SPL meter match) attenuated signal digitally, plain and simple. It's not very subtle difference wither. NOT recommended.

1/5 StarsCables seemed quality enough, braided but the connectors weren't bonded well at all and felt cheap.Knob piece literally came off before I even removed it from the packaging. Underneath the knob is just a piece of plastic that the metal is "weak and badly." glued to. Maybe if you're gonna skimp on quality and not even have a central post, you use some quality epoxy?Returning immediately.These were out of stock when I ordered and waited a week, seems this was a rushed/crappy batch.Could be a good product but you're better off making your own or paying for someone to make you one.

I have this connected between the awesome Logitech Squeezebox Touch audio streamer and a pair of equally awesome JBL LSR 305 monitors for a small setup which covers dining room, kitchen, etc. The volume control of the Squeezebox is kinda fiddly, being a little slider on a little touchscreen, and is digital so sacrifices a bit of resolution (academic, I suppose, but the fiddly part is real). This thing makes it a perfect setup. Infinitely adjustable, no digital attenuation, and is a pleasure to use.

Received a used item, not new as expected. The volume knob is very smooth and overall look is nice but since the one i received was used there were nicks and scratches on the knob and cable is slight frayed in certain places.Also, the sound wasn't as clear, a little muffled when using the Control Freak. I enjoy their mini-x 2ch amp on my turntable setup but was very disappointed with this product. Will be returning and looking for another solution.

Just what I needed. Gail from my DVD Player is so high that I could only set the Volume on my Pre-Amp to 1, so had little leeway to adjust volume. This allows me to turn up volume on my Pre-Amp to 50% then use this to adjust volume--works beautifully and does not seem to noticeably degrade sound in any way.

I bought this to use with my turntable setup. I use powered speakers directly connected to a preamp and needed something to control the volume of both speakers simultaniously. The control freak works perfect. Had no effect on audio quality and is very well made. The cord is way longer than I needed but easy to hide the excess. I would definitely buy this again.

After two months of low usage, the left channel went out. Bypassing the Control Freak makes the left channel work again.The was also some slight distortion I was noticing before removing the Control Freak from the chain.The build quality feels very solid, operation is smooth, but the internal components are unfortunately poor.