weird amp problem, advice?

Ok, so here's the problem:

I have 2 amps.  1 that i know works, the other which i pulled out of the basement and am installing into my car.

I also have 4 sony xplods that i know work

The problem is as follows:

When i hook everything up, the amp doesnt turn on.

I used a multimeter, and the amp is receiving power.  So i dont think there is a power problem

I plugged in the speakers into a boombox (VIA THE WIRING), and they work as well.  So i dont think that there is a wiring (speaker) problem.

I plugged in the RCA's into the boombox, and they worked too (although one of the RCA's had a large pang, it was the high filter i think) So i think there is no wiring (RCA) problem.

My issue i think is the remote wire:  I checked the wire by plugging it straight to the battery, and the amp turned on, so the battery works. 

I have one of those old rockford punch amps, and when i forced it to turn on (via remote connected to batt., the light that signifies it being on was only half-lit...kinda weird)

So is my problem the head unit?! 

I looked on the unit for a mute button, cant find one but am currently searching the net for a manual (pinoeer deh 7600 i think)

Isnt it weird that the head unit works fine, everything else perfectly (display, cd player, RCA output (as far as i can tell) but not the REMOTE?

note:  I tried to force the amp on with the rca's in and the speakers, and the amp didnt turn on. 

Thanks for any help guys

You could also use a relay that is triggered by the remote turn on wire, that way it is on and off with the radio.

I would try using a friend that has an amp in his car that you know works and swap your amp that you have a doubt about with the known working one and see what happens. if it works, than you have more troubleshooting to do. If it doesn't you have some shopping to do.