MusicCAST2 consists of the Network Music Commander (MCX-RC100, $500, pictured)--a compact remote control--along with two Network Music Players (MCX-A300, $400, and pre-amp-equipped MCX-P200, $400) that can live anywhere in the house. The system works with up to 32 Music Commanders and Music Players, and can play MP3, WMA, WAV, FLAC, and iTunes AAC files (without DRM). Meanwhile, the MCX-RC100's 3.5-inch, full-color LCD displays zone and source icons, album art, song titles, and other relevant info. There's also a built-in alarm and sleep timer. Yamaha throws in a charging cradle to keep the whole thing ready to go.

The only downside I see immediately compared with Sonos is the lack of 802.11n support--or at least, Yamaha doesn't mention it. That could be a problem in crowded apartment buildings. To sweeten the deal, Yamaha put together a start-up package called MusicCAST2 Zone Pack 2A, which bundles one MCX-RC100 and two MCX-A300s for $1,200 (a $100 savings). Optional accessories let users hook up iPods, Bluetooth devices, and USB thumb drives. All components are available now.