DAC or Preamp controlled by DirectTV remote

My suggestion is to get whatever preamp and DAC you think is best, without regard to the remote issue. If the DTV remote doesn't work, get a Logitech Harmony to control the whole thing. I switched from the DTV remote to a Harmony 900, which is fully programmable, including customizable soft buttons, and works in either IR or RF mode. I use it in RF mode with the included IR blaster/repeater to control components in my cabinet. Also controls the Mac Mini and AppleTV, which I don't think the DTV remote can do.

I hear you about simplicity and WAF, but honestly, the Harmony is super easy to use, once you program it on your computer. The cool thing is that you program "activities" which are like macros on your computer. For example, my Harmony 900 has a color touch screen at the top (the rest is regular buttons laid out much like the DTV remote). When you pick the remote up off the charger, the screen lists the different activities, such as "Watch TV" or "Watch Blu Ray" (or whatever you program it to do. When you click on an activity, it turns on all of the required components, turns off any components you are not using (unless you program it to keep them on), switches the inputs on your TV, processor, scaler, etc., and then switches the touch screen buttons to activity-appropriate functions. Also, you never have to slide a switch to tell it which component you want to control. It already knows. Anyway, it's pretty cool stuff for $159 on Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Harmony-Universal-Remote-Touchscreen/dp/tags-on-product/B002RL875A) I think it was over $300 last year.