Help with built in surround sound set up

[stephfaizi]

We do have a central point both upstairs and downstairs with multiple outlets. There is volume controls throughout the home as well. So will I need an amplifier as well as a surround sound receiver? Do you know of there is a product that has both as well as Bluetooth? I'm have no idea that might be a stupid question but looking for least expensive way to get the music throughout the home to stream pandora. TIA

 

[americanaudiophile]

You won't need a surround receiver unless you have a room wired for surround sound. If you do many surround receivers that are 7.1 but used in a 5.1 setup allow the extra 2 channels to be used as a 2nd independent zone. Because you have 2 central points you will need 2 stereo receivers. If the volume controls in each room are the impedance matching type (this means they can be adjusted to maintain a safe impedance so your amp isn't damaged) then you will be able to connect all the volume controls/speakers directly to the amp. If they are not then you will need a speaker selector/impedance matching box to connect them all to the amp.
The are a lot of receivers that have bluetooth and stream built in:
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-iqMBgNoGSUC/shopsearch/bluetooth_home_stereo_receiver.html
Also check out Sonos
www.sonos.com
as a more flexible system but at a higher price.