Or you can disconnect the rear speaker like I have, use the fader to adjust the sub, with a line output converter. But you really don't need remote control at all because once you have the sub volume correctly adjusted, you should just leave it alone.
If you have good components in front, you don't need the rears. However, if you have the budget, there are good reasons to replace the head unit altogether.
I am probably getting a substantial raise in pay in the next few weeks, so I may consider replacing the HU if that happens.