I know I'll get good advice here from gearheads. I am *not* a gearhead, unfortunately.

We're redoing our kitchen/dining area. We're creating a long, continuous space that has a lounge area, a kitchen area and a dining area. Having music around is very important to me while I cook and when we have a party.

Most of the time I will construct a playlist on my MP3 player and plug it into a couple of speakers, or into the AUX plug of the little CD-Radio unit on top of the fridge.

I want to buy the right equipment for the new kitchen, including in-wall speakers. I want to have music close-in while I'm cooking, and be able to control music in the lounge and dining areas (and maybe over in the living room). I do not need the top-of-the-line stuff, my ear isn't that good -- good mid-range equipment will do me just fine. I want decent quality.

So, what should I get?

* There will be a set of shelves on the island behind me while I'm cooking and the first shelf will have the main stereo unit. I need something small, that can play a CD, or AM/FM radio, and has an AUXiliary plug for my MP3 player (so I can switch songs while I'm cooking).

* I would like to be able to turn the other areas on/off and control the volume to them

* I would like in-wall speakers for the other areas; I would also like to be able to control the volume at those speakers if necessary.

Any ideas or suggestions?

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