You can use the Essence Remote with Stage. In my case, I use Apple AirPlay most of the time so I end up using my phone or iPad. However, I do use the Essence Remote (with my Core, but I am assuming would work just as easily with the Stage) to select input source, to play from my default source from the B&O App (TuneIn radio) without needing to use the app and to switch stations/playlists and of course to change volume. For my Stage, I find using a phone is easier. My Stage is used ONLY for music and isn't even connected to a TV!

Thanks for that.

So I would need to use the B&O app to launch it's embedded Spotify app rather than connecting in via Chromecast from Spotify itself?

I'm not keen on the Sonos implementation of Spotify's app and always use Spotify's stand alone app because of this, do you know if the Spotify app within B&O's app is stripped down from the regular Spotify app?

I know I'm making way bigger a deal out of this than it deserves but I have a bizarre aversion to fiddling with my phone when I'm in music mode and all I want is a physical volume control!

Do the phone volume buttons not work?

I remember, for the times I airplayed/bluetoothed music from my phone, I could simply turn the volume up/down through those buttons, without needing it to be unlocked. Much easier than swiping a slider on the screen..

Yes you may well be right about phone volume control being active when screen locked.

The 'problem' is this is in a family environment and they're going to want to get involved when I'm flitting around hence my desire for a handy shared remote and as I say, I really don't want to fiddle around with my phone when listening.

I did have the Stage briefly and whilst I loved the sound there were a couple of usability issues that really bugged me and the family which made me return it, albeit regrettably.

The B&O app frequently opening to a frozen white screen (Android phone with 8GB RAM) was another issue that became problematic.

However I've found nothing since I'm keen on so would purchase again if I can find workarounds, a physical remote that doesn't require me to launch music via the B&O app would probably be enough to keep everyone in my household happy.