Whole house audio

[mmblz]

Anyone familiar with this? I'm trying to decide on a setup.
Lots of ideas but none seem just right...

I want to be able to choose mp3s from the various rooms - so controller must have at least lcd (not just buttons)

iTunes / Airport Expresses / iTouch Remote - downside is I would need multiple amplifiers, and would need a computer to always be on.

Sonos - downside is price - either need lots of the $500 units, or need separate amps... Also, I will only have satellite internet if anything, so would not be able to take advantage of online streaming music.

Niles / Russound / some other hardwired system - downside is no good way to control what you are listening to - only good option is often a very pricey wall mounted controller, and then you need one for each room.

My next idea was to use Sonos for the control, but then plug a single Sonos unit into a Niles/Russound/other multi channel amp. Then use the amp to control what speakers were on and volume, and the Sonos iTouch interface to control what I was actually listening to.

Next idea was to cut out the Sonos and just do a single Airport Express connected to Niles or Russound.

Blech. Anyone been through all this or have any thoughts?