Setting up new system

[jacquib]

Hi

I am looking at setting up a home theatre/music system in the downstairs area of our new home, and a music system on the rooftop. We have an existing small Sony sound system with 5 bookshelf speakers and the TV we want - now I'm looking at what to add. We've had Sonos recommended for our music system, and we've had wiring already installed in our home for 4 in-ceiling speakers downstairs, plus data cabling installed.

So, the items I've been looking at are:
Sonos (without amp) + existing system + Denon PMA500 amp (recommended because of extra ceiling speakers) + 4 Audio Source AS8C In-Ceiling speakers all downstairs (very large open space)
Sonos (with amp) + Bose 251 5 1/4" Environmental speakers upstairs (rooftop)

I am investigating whether I can buy any of the equipment direct from the USA - does anybody know of problems regarding reliability/power differences between Australia and US/duty fees?

Finally, I've been reading about Logitech's competitor to Sonos - Squeezebox Duet. Does anybody know anything about this product?

Thanks in advance for any help you can give me.

[Anthony]

Can't help you on power. US is 110V single phase (220V dual phase). Some areas have 120V, but you get the general gist. Most of our stuff is around 110 for a "normal" plug. Many companies that sell internationally have a switchable power supply, in case you have 220/240V.

I just got a v3 Squeezebox. Haven't even had a chance to play with it yet, but I lurked on their forums for a while before making my decision. I have been using the software version of it on my laptop with a server in the office. So I can enjoy uncompressed (FLAC) music over my wireless anywhere in the house. I even tried streaming mp3 to my work, but work bandwidth issue made that a problem

Overall, though, I like the interface and they get good reviews. I will review my actual hardware module as soon as I get it set up.

Good luck,
Anthony