Plz recommend amp for multizone home music system

[OLDJ]

I would really appreciate any and all help in picking components for a distributed home audio system. We are currently in construction adding and remodeling to our house, and my wife wants speakers here and there. I have 3-4 weeks before walls are closed up, and need to decide on this stuff ASAP. I have done a lot of reading on multizone systems, but almost all talk about using a home theatre system, which I don’t need.

Can you please recommend integrated amp / other components to meet the below?

Living room – background music
Family room – background music.
Den – Loud parties
Outdoor – pool parties (need minimum 2 zones here)
Need to be able to hook up, laptop, iPhone, iTouch, iPod, iPad, maybe CD player, Internet radio.
Some kind of wireless control for iPhone / iTouch would be nice but not necessary.
The most important part is that wife wants to limit volume or speaker on / off from one central location (on-component)
I think I will have to install volume control knobs in each room, but I don’t thing I need additional control pads. Source selection, etc, from the component will be sufficient.
So what kind of multizone / Integrated amplifier will meet these requirements? This has been my main challenge since I don’t need a home theatre system. Please recommend brand / model.
Budget around $2K.
Mega thanks

 

[adk highlander]

Hi OLDJ and welcome to the forum.

There are many ways to do what you are asking. If you are looking for an all in one package I have heard many good things about the products from HTD (home theater direct). Don't let the name fool you as they offer several whole-house audio packages.

Their mid level systems should come close to what you are looking for:

HTD Mid-Level Whole-House Audio System

These do not include speakers but there should be enough left in your budget to come close to getting the speakers and keeping close to your budget.

 

[OLDJ]

Thank you for the recommendation. In my search, I did come across the systems by HTD. Their packages seem to provide everything I am looking for; however, I can't find any reviews for their amps. Would you know how HTD amps compare with the likes of Yamaha or Denon?