"especially when there's equally good sounding gear that has remote volume control."
I have not found another preamplifier that is totally accurate/natural sounding, and match the
11A. I have not found a perfect preamplifier that uses New tubes standard.
The future is using new tubes, Not expensive, NOS.
Of course the 11A does not alter the music, so only the other components flaws show up.
Ultra verve comes close if I remember correctly, but can't remember what NOS tubes are used. Herron
vtsp 1A is quite good as well.
The proof is in the pudding.
cheers
steve