Minimalist Music Monster

Mix Steve Jobs, toss in a little Ian Shrager and you have the classically designed Sonos Music System. This stylish network audio system allows you to play and control all your computer’s stored digital music files (AAC, WMA, MP3, AND WAV) plus Internet and satellite radio throughout the house via wireless or Ethernet connection.

Sonos consists of a heavy duty 50–watt per channel cast aluminum ZonePlayer (amplifier) with built-in wireless, Ethernet connectors, analog speaker inputs, Line–in, Line Out and a subwoofer output. The brain behind the brawn is the Sonos Controller. This wireless remote controller allows you to control music from up to 31-different Zone Players. It has an easy to navigate track wheel and super bright LCD screen that displays the music zones, album art and what’s playing. It’s also software upgradeable. The sound is terrific and the functionality of the controller is amazing. It's art meets technology at its finest. The only drawback is lack of complimentary speaker design. ($1,200; www.sonos.com)