Reddit mentions of MCM Custom Audio 50-8394 LINE Level Volume Control IR Remote

Alright, the problem here is your TV has no variable or line level RCA outputs. I'm going to offer a couple of options:

1. An optical DAC with a remote line level controller and powered monitors. DAC, Remote volume control, Really good sounding powered monitors. Wait til they go down to about $240 for the pair or buy them on massdrop now, you have 9 hours to decide. Totals to $300
   
   
2. Same setup as above, but will switch out the JBLs for something cheaper and totals to about $200. Wait til the Micca PB42X are in stock at amazon. They run $120. If you can swing for the JBLs, do it though.
   
   
3. The best option in my opinion, would be to get a cheap 5.1 receiver with an optical input. You can pair this with any pair of passive speaker you want, you can purchase a used receiver from craigs or ebay, you can add a center channel at a later date, and more importantly, you can add a subwoofer when your budget allows and have proper bass management with high and low pass filters and eq.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01CX82KH2/

Stick it in between the optical converter and the Logitech speakers.

Digital to Analog Audio Converter with IR Remote Control https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07G6YXSHD/

or

Line Level Remote Volume Controller https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CX82KH2/

I remember looking into this a while ago. A couple of options:

https://www.amazon.com/MCM-CUSTOM-50-8394-CONTROL-IR/dp/B01CX82KH2

https://www.amazon.com/CAMWAY-Digital-Converter-Wireless-Aluminum/dp/B07D7WS4HY

Totally- you have powered speakers, so you don't need an amplifier, you're just are looking for volume control (right?)

Assuming you're using RCAs to connect your speakers, here's a very basic $35 infared volume control. Plug the RCAs from the TV into the in, and your speakers into the out, and voila- remote controlled volume.

Now- if you're still wanting one remote to control it all, a low-end Harmony will set you back another $35 but control your tv, this volume control device, plus any devices (blu-ray, Apple TV, Roku, etc) you might have plugged into your TV.

Looks like my issue was not searching through the "home audio" sections of all of the websites I was on. I'm finding a few things now.

I also found this: https://www.amazon.com/Line-Level-Control-IR-Remote/dp/B01CX82KH2/

... which would be the bare bones minimum way of getting what I want. The only reason I'm hesitant to get it is that I like having some kind of visual feedback as to what the volume level is, and getting something like the receiver you linked to what at least have a screen that displays the volume.

On the cheap end of things, this will work.
https://www.amazon.com/Axxess-AALC-Controller-Discontinued-Manufacturer/dp/B003FPD3IS/

You will have to set your subwoofer at the max gain you want, and then use this control to turn it down. It is a passive control and cannot amplify.

Same concept here if you need a remote https://www.amazon.com/MCM-CUSTOM-50-8394-CONTROL-IR/dp/B01CX82KH2

Pyle tends to be discouraged here

Topping or SMLS will be your best bet for mini amp brands

SMLS AD-18

SMLS AD-13

Topping MX3 also on sale here

Remote Ability Add On would allow you to add a universal remote to your current setup (from what I understand)

Or a PreAmp like this

Chromecast Audio would let you add wireless streaming to an amp without bluetooth

If you dont mind something larger, an AVR receiver like this or this will be your best option

Sidebar suggestions

Something like this? The comments note that the remote's codes aren't in standard remote libraries, but can be added to learning remotes.

https://www.amazon.com/MCM-CUSTOM-50-8394-CONTROL-IR/dp/B01CX82KH2

You just hit on the reason I won't buy another Samsung TV. You probably plugged the 3.5mm plug into the headphone jack on your old TV. Samsung has stopped putting headphone jacks on their TVs. One of these will give you remote volume control with a 2nd remote for volume.

https://www.amazon.com/MCM-CUSTOM-50-8394-CONTROL-IR/dp/B01CX82KH2

If size is an issue, SMSL Q5 Pro and SMSL AD18 are small amps with multiple inputs, a sub output (no bass management crossovers/filters though), and a remote. I own the former. Massdrop has had them for $85 and $110, respectively, but neither is an active drop right now. Otherwise if size isn't a problem, look at accessories4less for refurbished AV receivers.

You didn't mention a budget but for powered speakers and sub, the JBL LSR305 and JBL LSR310S sub would be great. proaudiostar.com has the combo set right now for $480. However, you would need a way to control the volume - best bet is an active preamp but most of them are as large as a receiver and can be quite expensive (try craigslist). A passive preamp such as the Schiit Audio SYS would work but no remote. This IR remote could be added: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CX82KH2/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=I3EZQOF2X206HQ&colid=2TVQ6AKEFNO65&psc=0

An RCA splitter would allow you to sent use a sub with the Edifier. Still, I'd go for the JBLs or a passive setup over Edifier.

I'm not sure why he deleted it but this is what he linked

I recently purchased it and it works great. I taped the little remote to my TV remote to keep them together haha.

You'll need to get a digital audio converter like this also if you haven't already.

I hope this helps you out because it was a pain for me to spend so long trying to find something to work!

You might have to get something like this. Amps with remotes are really uncommon especially in the sub-$1000 range.

First Google hit:
https://www.amazon.com/MCM-CUSTOM-50-8394-CONTROL-IR/dp/B01CX82KH2 Under $40.

Step 1 is double check the settings on the TV. Some TVs will allow you to adjust the digital output by changing a setting in the menu.

Step 2 Get this and stick this on the end.

Would something like this work perhaps? I'd need a couple of RCA to 3.5mm adapters includes and IR remote. Maybe I could even have Kinect control it somehow?

Thanks for the advice!

Yes.

https://www.amazon.com/MCM-CUSTOM-50-8394-CONTROL-REMOTE/dp/B01CX82KH2

Although a knob on wires is cheaper:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0002J226O/

There's also the DIY case option:

http://m.ebay.com/itm/9V-Infrared-Remote-Control-Volume-Control-Board-ALPS-Pre-AMP-Motor-Potentiometer-/322328825653

Here you go

MCM CUSTOM AUDIO 50-8394 LINE LEVEL VOLUME CONTROL IR REMOTE https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B01CX82KH2/

Hey, maybe we can do better and simpler than Bluetooth. Aside from Bluetooth compression messing with the sound quality, it can introduce lipsyncing issues due to lag. I always like a wired connection myself whenever possible.

You should be able to plug something like this into the TV's optical output, plug the M-Audio monitors into this, and then control the volume w/ the TV remote.

https://www.amazon.com/AutoWT-Digital-Coaxial-Toslink-Adapter/dp/B011O0N0UQ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1523321294&sr=8-2&keywords=optical+to+audio+adapter&dpID=51QpJCAEKNL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

Only reason I say "should" is because on my Sharp TV, the volume level of the optical output is fixed by default. You have to flip a setting in the TV's menu to allow the optical output volume to be controlled by the volume setting. I looked in your TV's manual but couldn't find any information about whether that's the case... it's possible the volume level on your optical output isn't controlled by the volume setting. But hey, at $12, maybe it's worth taking a shot.

Worst case scenario, you could add something like this between the optical-to-analog gizmo and the M-Audios:

https://www.amazon.com/MCM-CUSTOM-50-8394-CONTROL-IR/dp/B01CX82KH2/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_23_img_0?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=ZQVYN0CF8MFDE8DJ7J9Y

Looks kind of shady, but seems to have positive reviews, so I would be reasonably confident in it. Have not used it myself just to be clear.

You could check the manual for your anonymous TV to see if there are audio outputs that are controllable through the TV's volume, or you could look at the many remote volume controls from the usual consumer electronics retailers, e.g.:

https://www.amazon.com/MCM-CUSTOM-50-8394-CONTROL-IR/dp/B01CX82KH2/