I can't argue with you there. I use an external preamp as well (ST-9100) and try not to get more than 10 DB gain from the iRiver. The first 10-15 DB of gain from the iRiver sounds fine to me, but I'm new at using the iRiver. I probably will soon try it without the safety clip, setting the iRiver to 0 Db and getting the first 20Db gain from the ST-9100. Probably will still pass on using the remote, but if I find I really need it for convenience, I will remember what you said about it not adding audible noise if not much gain is being applied. Thanks for the info.