My livingroom stereo system has exactly 2 components: a Marantz CD changer and an Acurus preamp (ok, it has an amp too, but I don't need to control that). I'd like to just have one remote to control them both, but I don't want or need one of these 800 button behemoths (or a touchscreen). No joking, if the kid's remote could control a changer and a preamp, I'd be all over it.

So, first, is there a decent small remote that's not super ugly and has enough buttons for a changer + volume?

The catch, of course, is that I need something that can run the Acurus preamp, which isn't exactly the most common piece of gear, so it might have to be learning.

I found just the remote you are looking for while I was living in Europe a few years back. However, I have seen them here as well.

The Brand name on mine says Tele-Art

It is a small unit, about 1/2" shorter and 1/2" more narrow than a cassette tape and thiner.

It looks like a simple calculator with 10 number buttons plus 6 function buttons (play, ffwd, etc) and a power button. There is a mode button to switch between five modes (tv, vcr, cd, HIFI, AUX).

Each mode can program the 17 buttons to anything.
The remote has no stored codes and is strictly a learning remote. You can program just about anything to any button.

There is also a clock and a timer/macro function but I do not recall the details. For simple tasks this remote can't be beat for simplicity and flexibility.

I paid about $35 in Europe a few years back. I believe the ones I have seen here in the US were on the order of $20 - $25.

If anybody knows the remote I am refering to, please post a brand name and supplier if possilbe.

From the following Thread:[Link: remotecentral.com]

Paul: It is called the "TELE-ART" RC100 Universal Remote Control, sub-titled the ONE for FIVE Ultra Compact (Programmable)Teachable. It can learn 17 commands for each of five components, and includes a clock and alarm with timer!

Cannot find a direct hit on the web. Did find this link to Chinese consumer products manufacturers, so the phrase "tele-art" is embedded there somewhere:
[Link: tradeeasy.com]....

I even found a voice-activated remote at Brookstone:

[Link: brookstone.com]...

The address on the back of the manual is:

T.A. Service Center
1645 Pacific Ave. Sutie 101
Channel Islands, CA. 93033 .... Mike

I have a Tele-Art RC100 which I bought in the early 90s while on vacation in San Diego for $25. Ever since I was very happy with this tiny but very flexible remote control back here in Germany. Until some 2 years ago the keys stopped making proper contacts. When opening the unit I discovered that I would break major components to get at the key contacts. That's still the state today. I would be happy if anybody could tell me how to repair this jewel of a remote. I would always buy a new one again if only I could find a supplier. A similar end of use happened to my other vintage programmable remotes: Realistic 15-1901 and a General Electric RRC500. Incidently when I bought the RRC500 in the states sometimes in the 80s for testing purposes I programmed its TV-channel up and down keys from the small remote which was part of the hotel room 's TV set. Back in Germany I later bought a Panasonic VCR which had no channel up and down buttons, neither at the front panel nor at its remote. Guess what: The VCR did recognize the up and down program codes from the RRC500. I am still using these stored codes today when it comes to setting up new programmable remotes.
P.S. What did I import to Germany then? Codeware?

I put a small nail thru the rubber function number "Mode" and move it around til I get the correct mode (usually I want "timer", then hit the keys I want.

12 YEARS!!!! 12 FRIGGIN YEARS!!!!!
LEAVE IT DEAD AND BURIED.