Why not put in a Russound CAV or CA Series sytsem. However that is a big jump up from A-Bus.

I'd say T+M so you don't get burned.

Stay away from the A-Bus. It's really hokey. I'd go with the Nuvo also. It at least has multi-source. Though not necessary it IS handy and once they realize it they'll never go back. Since I switched from V/C and receiver setup to a Nuvo Concerto, we use the system a lot more and it's a lot simpler to navigate. Plus now I don't have to listen to my wife's crappy radio station.

Russound has an ABUS multi room solution as well (a-h484) and what you are suggesting is a totally different from ABUS technology.

I like russound and have had good luck with all their product lines that I have dealt with. It is a good product that is just as good if not better than nuvo, IMHO.