Let me begin by saying: Crestron is the ONLY way to go on audio distribution, but you are probably better off spending your A/V gear cash on other stuff.
Do you want/need 2-way communication for anything you own? Digital music management system? Other really high end two-way gear? If not:
Crestron: CP2-PAK-C17 - about $4200.00MSRP - Includes processor, 1-touchpanel (ST-1700c), 1-RF receiver, 1 (small) power supply, a few IR emitters
1 - ST-1700C - like $2,800.00 5.7" RF touchpanel
1 - PAD-8 - 8 zone, 8 source audio preamp/volume control/switcher (analog) ($1,800MSRP)
1 PER ZONE - For each stereo zone in your home (music only) use a 12 button Crestron keypad in the wall ($260 MSRP each - ish) Controls volume, source selection, and limited control of source. Far superior w/programming than any IR keypad on the market. Keypad is hard wired.
Non-Crestron:
For surround rooms - Denon or Yamaha A/V receiver w/RS-232 - Excellent choices with top notch control will provide years of rock solid use.
Amplifier: Sonanace 1250 if you really want to kick some butt... 12 channels at 50 watts per channel make it awesome for good audio distribution - Or, two Rotel RMB-1048 amps at 40 watts per channel times 8. The Rotel amps match up nicely with a Pad-8
Video distribution: Appropriate Extron switcher - depends strongly on where all video actually needs to go.
Now - if you have a good digital music server that you want to know artist/track/search info from something like an Imerge or Audio Request music server, then going with a two-way wireless panel will add a fair amount to the price - about $1,000 or more per panel.
Recommendations to save cash and make you happier: GET THE ML-500 REMOTE - and hardwire a couple of TPS-2000L touchpanels. The ML-500 isn't as snazzy as the ST-1700 touchpanels, but at about $700.00 each, they cost a ton less. The hard button remotes also are easy to use in the dark which makes them much better for daily theater watching and they are far less fragile which means they are kid friendly. But, they are still Crestron which means that when you press "DVD" - everything necessary to watch a DVD is automatically setup for you, or whoever needs it.
My home uses a lot of Crestron with several 10 inch wired panels, a couple ML-500s about 8 (now) 12 button keypads and over a dozen separate zones with an Imerge music server and the more typical audio sources as well as thermostat control, security camera monitoring, and some lighting control.
Of course - this is how I earn my paycheck... So, if you are interested in more details you can shoot me a PM. Let me know where you live, not sure how much I can hook you up, but there are things that may help you out that I know. I'm in the Washington DC area.