The master volume knob on an Onkyo stereo receiver

One of my favorite qualities in a physical interface is resistance.

After high school, my dad gifted me an Onkyo stereo set that he had bought years ago while in college. In my head, I can feel the smooth weight of turning the master volume knob on the receiver.

This type of resistance is caused by a rotary potentiometer, commonly used on volume controls for audio equipment. The internal mechanism can be adjusted for a specific experience, with factors like torque, friction and detents (tiny clicks as the knob rotates, which this knob does not have). It's made of metal, which also contributes to a high quality feeling. It’s incredibly easy to adjust the volume precisely the way you want it.

It's been a couple years now since I've used it, but adjusting the knobs and feeling the clunks from its buttons are engrained in my head. It's funny, playing specific albums is maybe the last thing that comes to mind about when I think back on the Onkyo.