Darnit, I knew my description was too complicated! In any case, the volume knob is a good idea. I put one of those in my last house but in this case it's going to be harder because the outside of the home is all stone (and I'm not sure I'll get the approval from the Mrs. to take a hammer and chisel to the stone).
I think I'm going to get the Sherwood receiver that was discussed above and try to do the remote speaker switching. I'll be looking for a place I can put a volume knob as well just in case I get lucky.
Jason
