I personally went with the PR-4Z by Russound. This allows you to choose your amplifiers, et. al. You'll have to install an IR distribution system, but if you were going to install the keypads... it isn't much different. I went Xantech IR system, PR-4Z pre-amp, Rotel AMP. You don't get bi-directional communication this way (since your control will be via a IR remote), but you get sound and video distribution for 4 zones. I don't recall exactly, but I think it was around $1,500 for the pre-amp.

The sound is very good, including bass.

Best, Cliff