Well..I figured out like everything else...there's no 1 perfect solution!
I think the right answer for now is Nuvo. I really really want to get HTD for the intercom and local source benefits, but I am not willing to buy on the hope of a driver from CQC or Elve or HS or whatever you choose. This is one of those times I wish I was a programmer! To handle the local source (mainly TV's) issue i may just go with video distribution. Then the sources are all centralized as well.
- If HTD keypads could control sources and pass metadata I would choose their system. I like the local source options, intercom, and pricing. But they do not currently pass metadata from 3rd party sources (and they do not have their own sources) or allow control of sources (although they do pass IR) through the keypad. They have a serial interface but no one has written drivers yet for it that i can find.
- Russound does not have a local source option at all but i like their keypads. Not a lot of info out there but seems there could be longevity issues but who knows.
- Nuvo seems to get the best keypad, power, and control points but you have to get their musicport (extra 2K). Nuvo's local source option is cludgy and only available in the corresponding zone. Your basically sharing speakers in that scenario vs really having your local source plugged into the WHA.
- Sonos is out due to the lack of ability to have keypads, limited library size, and not really made for centralized distribution.
- HiFi2 would be a good choice its very comparable to HTD same weaknesses though on source control and metadata. It only has intercom at HAI touchscreens though.
I think the right answer for now is Nuvo. I really really want to get HTD for the intercom and local source benefits, but I am not willing to buy on the hope of a driver from CQC or Elve or HS or whatever you choose. This is one of those times I wish I was a programmer! To handle the local source (mainly TV's) issue i may just go with video distribution. Then the sources are all centralized as well.