Network A/V

Kaleidescape Movie & Music Server
$16,720 as tested, October 2006
Kaleidescape invented the video jukebox and set the bar high with its intuitive graphic interface, which now adds music storage and playback in this latest iteration.
kaleidescape.com

Crestron Adagio Entertainment System
$13,600 as tested, October 2006
Crestron, best known for its touchpanel home control systems, future-proofed its first multiroom entertainment system by building in a powerful processor that enables the addition of many Crestron options for home automation.
crestron.com

Niles Intellicontrol ICS Multiroom Audio System
$6,800 as tested, October 2006
This 6-zone/6-source system offers flexible modular construction and the incredible iRemote, a two-way wireless remote control that lets you browse all your music and control the system from the palm of your hand, from anywhere in the house.
www.intellicontrol.com

Qsonix Q100 Digital Music System
$5,495, April 2006
Quite expensive for a two-zone music server, but this system's giant touchscreen interface is so cool and engaging we can't help ourselves.
qsonix.com

Speakercraft MODE Distributed Audio System
$2,614 as tested, February/March 2007
The MZC-66 at the heart of this system represents excellent value in a 6-zone/6-source multiroom controller/amplifier. But it's the easy-to-use MODE keypad, with its knob-and-scrollwheel interface, that really sets it apart.
speakercraft.com

Yamaha MusicCAST
$2,000 and up, July/August 2006
A sophisticated, expandable wired or wireless multiroom audio system with Yamaha's full-featured MCX-2000 server at its core.
yamaha.com/yec

Colorado vNet Vibe Audio Distribution System
$1,690 base system, $8,790 as tested, April 2007
This cutting-edge IP-based music system boasts a beautiful and easy-to-use touchscreen interface, along with plug-and-play installation.
coloradiovnet.com

HP z556 Digital Entertainment Center
$1,500, February/March 2006
A slim profile and the ability to record three TV shows simultaneously (including one in high-def) make this Media Center PC a winner.
hp.com

Sonos Digital Music System
$1,199 (two-room system), February/March 2005
Second review: July/August 2006
Elegant, expandable system to spread music from your PC or audio gear around the house.
sonos.com

Philips WAC700/WAS700 Music Center
$999, July/August 2006
Simplicity of setup, ease of use, and slick industrial design are the hallmarks of this wireless streaming music system.
philips.com

Escient Fireball SE-80 music server
$999, October 2005
A new low price for Escient's friendly Music Manager user interface, along with wireless PDA control and other features.
www.escient.com

Olive Symphony Digital Music Server
$899, December 2005
Its lack of an onscreen TV user interface is notable, but the otherwise sophisticated Symphony excels on sound quality and features like built-in wireless streaming.
www.olive.us

Based on Sound & Vision's experience with the following brands and model lines, also consider these untested models:
HP z560/z565 Digital Entertainment Centers, $1,800/$3,000 (see related review of HP z556), hp.com
Olive Musica wireless digital music server, $899 and up; Olive Opus digital music server, $2,999 and up, www.olive.us.