Big house, cheap audio

For several years now I've had Sonos envy. Several of my friends own these high-end multiroom audio systems; when dinner-party conversation lags, we pass the handheld controller around the table to play memorable songs and reminisce. (Okay, a bit strange, but this is Silicon Valley.) Unfortunately, Sonos systems are complicated and costly: Just the starter pack, with the wireless controller and boxes to hook up two rooms, sets you back US $1000, and that's without speakers.