Distribution amp with Remote "App"?

Take a look at Russound C-series systems. I believe they have a 6 zone amp that you can add rnet and then control each zone thru an ipad, ipod, or iphone.

Won't it be a hassle to have to use two different apps to control your music?

Have you looked at the current crop of iPad/iPod remote apps - such as iRule, Roomie, DemoPad, etc.?

You can easily couple any of these, via something like a Global Cache converter, to a wide variety of whole-house controllers.

FWIW, I use Roomie on an iTouch, to a Global Cache GC-100 to control my B&K CT600 via IR. Response time is ostensibly instantaneous, and the connection is rock solid.

Hehe, true And expanding with actual Sonos Connects for each zone would be quite an investment. Awesome, but costly, compared to using an amp + one more app

Actually, 5 Sonos Zoneplayer 120s would fit the bill and you only have 1 app.

The price would be equalivant or cheaper than a Crestron, RTI, Speakercraft, Russound and etc 6 zone system, plus the cost of installation and programming. The Sonos would then eliminate any keypads you would need to control these systems as well. The other problem is that the volume on the Sonos app would control the volume throughout the house and would not be independant if you are choosing a DMS or a simple multi-channel amplifier.

I have used multiple Sonos players in a distributed house music system several times and they work great.

I am assuming that you have the required wiring and speakers already in place for a distributed msuic system anyway. If not, then why not add several Sonos Play3s or Play 5s?

But if you want to something cheaper, then you can use the Aton DLA6 http://www.atonhome.com/DLA6Room.html powered speaker selector with a Aton DLA6 RF Remote http://www.atonhome.com/DLA6RoomRemote.html for control. You wouldn't have it all one your iPhone but, you can't have everything.

Keep in mind that you would only have 1 source.

I hear you on the DIY route - I too have been in the weeds, but now definitely prefer a more mainstream (low overhead, low maintenance) approach.

I was able to get a reasonably sophisticated config up and running using Roomie in under 15 minutes - the only "DIY" aspect is the customization of the layout of the remote buttons, and even that is optional. My setup is really solid - absolutely no soldering, machine code, atom-splitting, bondo or caulking involved!

You could invest in cost effective hardware, address all of your current needs, and have the basis for a system that can grow with you.

I have no affiliation with any of the companies I mentioned - but having previously spent large amounts of time and money creating hugely complicated setups, I'm definitely a convert to this new paradigm.

Dave

Clearly you aren't from NY! Because in NY the equipment doesn't fall off the truck, the driver falls out of the truck! I'm just saying'

The HTD whole- house audio systems offer remote control from any browser (iOS or Android smartphones) at a reasonable price.