There should be a sound mode called “Direct” or similar (AFD on my old Sony) which just puts out what is put in. the other modes are I think more for getting a surround effect out of say a stereo source. Not 100% on this.
On mine for music a stick to Stereo or multi-stereo (front and rear speakers – 2 x stereo) and for TV I leave on Direct, and just toggle the mode if I don’t like the sound.
By the way not sure if you are a Sky customer, but if so you can (if your model is supported) get some basic functions (on/off, mute, vol-up and vol-down) from your Sky remote – link.
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