Whole House audio suggestions????

I am scrapping my Niles Intellipad system. It is too complicated for my family to use and for me to reprogram. Also, I've have a lot of problems with IR emitters burning out.
I need simpler. Something the wife, kids, babysitter and friends can use. I have considered even in wall volume controls and IR eyes with remote controls. I would prefer to have all in wall. The only piece of equipment I intend to keep is my Niles 8 pair of speaker selector-This is awesome and will let me use any amp & speakers.
I will probably buy something like a Denon Receiver as a slave. I don't need different zones to have different music at the same time. However, I do have extra power amps if a quality pre-amp is suggested.
Any experiences with Xantech, Elan or ????
Thanks.