Does anyone know if the (extremely cheap feeling) in-line volume control included with the SE846s has anything special going on inside? I’ve been using it on-the-go with the Apple lightning to 3.5mm adapter (/amp/dac) to ride the gain from track to track. And I like the tactile, rotary feel of an actual volume knob.
I’ve noticed that with the phone’s volume slider at 70-90% (attenuated via the inline pot to a comfortable level) the sound changes. I’m getting a fatter sound, more bass and more body overall with little to no change in the treble. Without the inline control, and the phone’s volume at only 40-50%, the sound is noticeably thinner with less bass and the treble seems more forward without the increased “body” to balance it out. I'm using modded blues in my 846s which I find perfect for listening with a Chord Mojo at home and work (obviously without the inline control when using Mojo).
Does this jibe with others’ experiences? What’s going on here? Are there a third-party/aftermarket volume controls that are “better” (or at least don't look/feel like something Radio Shack would’ve sold in the 70s)? Maybe a more compact, ergonomic metal version with better design and a better pot? (the channel balance falls off a cliff at very low listening levels) Also maybe one that will pass through play/pause/next/prev from an inline remote on the headphone cable (I have a few different cables I use with these)?