I like the idea of a passive remote volume control add-on. The best, to me, are transformer-based volume controllers because they don't degrade dynamics (liveliness) as much as other forms of passive volume controls. I like the Myemia control because it has a lot of steps to the attenuator (with few steps the "right" volume always seems to be between two steps), and it also allows for remote balance setting. It is a little out of your price range, but, it is worth it.
http://www.myemia.com/Remote.html
http://www.myemia.com/Remote.html