Not sure about the comparative costs, but we have had a Sonos system (www.sonos.com) for about 2 years now and are very pleased with it. The hand-held controller is great, and because Sonos sets up its own wireless network, you can use it anywhere in the house. The system can run off your computer or a NAS hard drive (a better option IMHO since you don't need to have your computer up and running.) It also is very flexible in terms of expansion. It has digital optical out so you can use the 990's DACs. You can stream Rhapsody, Pandora, Sirius and Napster (with subscriptions). The downside might be the price. A basic system -- controller, wireless bridge and zone player -- would run about $850, and you need a DSL or better broadband internet connection.