Hi All,

Tried searching for this and couldn't track down a straight answer.

I've got a NAD T763 that I'd like to hook into a Xantech unit as the amp is inside a glass cabinet that doesn't allow for reliable IR control.

I'd like to just put a little "eye" sticking out of the cabinet or wall, and in behind, have the Xantech device do its thing.

My question is, all of the Xantech products (and competitors I've found so far) have IR "flasher" eyes that attach to a component's IR eye. My NAD amp has an IR Input on the rear of the unit that accepts a 3.5mm input plug, as does my Motorola 6412 PVR. My assumption (perhaps it is incorrect) is that there would be a product that allows me to connect a Xantech controller directly into this 3.5mm plug and control everything without the need for attaching the IR flashers to the front of the unit.

If anyone could clarify whether such a product exists, or if this IR input is used for another purpose (e.g. daisy-chaining like devices, etc.) I'd appreciate it.

Finally - if there are any opinions from the experts on the best solution for my problem (not being to reliably control my devices in my tinted glass cabinet, I've love to hear the solution you recommend...I am obviously aware of how to setup and deploy using the "eye and flashers" method, but if RF is better, or there's something I've overlooked, I'm all ears.

Would be nice if it wasn't stupidly expensive too :)

Thanks.

Yes, that's what the IR input is for on the back of those units. Some of them work better than others, so a little experimentation is in order. A good setup for your situation would be the Universal Remote Control MX-850, 900, 950, etc. IR/RF remotes used with the MRF-300 base station. The nice thing about this base station is that you can connect either flashers or a cable with the 1/8" mono connectors at each end, one in the MRF and one in the back of your equipment. Furthermore, the MRF allows you to adjust the level of the signal output, as some equipment is more sensitive to IR overload. A handy pre-terminated cable is Radio Shack Part.# 42-2420A. Also, make sure the equipment is, in fact, using a mono connector. Some of them, eg/Arcam, use stereo which means that you have to rig up something to accurately match the T/R/S layouts of the equipment and the MRF.
Good luck,
Charlie