Improve remote control usability

BuzzingBee · June 1, 2022

Ever since I rearranged my room and replaced my AV receiver mid last year, I was mostly satisfied how it turned out. Basically it's 7.2.4 speaker system for my TV and another stereo speaker on the side for PC. Two sets of stereo speakers are connected to stereo integrated amplifier with A/B switch.

One problem is remote control ease of use which I've downgraded and hoping to bring it back, so this is where I am asking for help.

Beforehand I had Yamaha AVR and Yamaha stereo amplifier which could be controlled by single remote. But ever since I swapped AVR to Marantz, I now have to use two remotes, one for AVR and stereo amp, and since they're now on the corner of the room (used to be on top of pc desk) pointing with remote control has become difficult.

So my goals are:
1) Use single remote to control both AVR and stereo amp
2) Improve remote control range
3) Using remote control to switch A/B speakers (BONUS)

For 2) I could get IR extender as Marantz AVR support 12V trigger out, but maybe you have better ideas.

And for 1) I have some options.

I could replace my stereo amplifier with Marantz that has remote control IN/OUT plugs and link onto AVR. This may be most tedious and expensive method, but could be best option. EDIT: After further research I'm not entirely sure if it'll work, as the remote IN is for either IR receiver or Marantz audio device with external switch, which Marantz PM amplifiers don't have.

I could use universal remote to control both AVR and amp, but because my current stereo amp doesn't have any remote or IR ports it won't solve 2nd goal.

I could try using hubs but not too sure how it works. I currently don't want to use my phone as remote control.

So for my current situation what's the best way for solving two main issues?

Current AVR and stereo amp: Marantz SR7013, Yamaha A-S501

Update: Turned out the solution is simpler than I thought. I bought universal remote & USB powered IR extender and that did the job.