I have installed several Russound units and can say they are the most user friendly units out there. The LCD keypads are perfect (and offer the cool ability to change the background color). With the IR repeaters, you don't need the additional keypad controller (just program a universaql remote control for the client) though I have installed one in a remote gym and it was a snap. However, in all the installations I have used Niles in-ceiling speakers, specifically the 850 and 650 HD's and OS20's outdoors. This results in reasonably priced systems that sound great and do everthing the clients want. I typically hook the components up with a monster cable powercenter for voltage triggered control but Russound offers one too (I just haven't used it). If I was to pick minor things I'd change about the Russound amplifier, it would be to double the units power output and add an integral tuner (a la Niles).