OK let's start with situation.

• Want to get music to back of house remotely
• Thinking APE, but also anything else that could work as nicely (i.e. from computers anywhere in house using iTunes, inc. ITMS purchases)
• Speakers near ceiling at corners, on top of a shelf 16cm deep with 20cm clearance from roof
• Assume network coverage everywhere

I'm imagining that I'll need an amplifier to connect the speakers and the source of the music (whatever it may be) to. I'm under the impression that I can't just connect an APE or whatever directly to speakers as it would lack the umph. Amplifiers are (correct me if I'm wrong) rather bulky things, so how could I go about achieving my killer setup here?

Any suggestions will be much appreciated!!

16x20xwhatever should definitely be enough space to fit in a small amp. I'm thinking a typical amp out of an older component-based hifi system would fit easily and be cheap to pickup second hand.

Airport Express plus cheap iPod Touch to use as a remote would be ideal

Have all the music on your main computer at your fingertips

You can have the amp anywhere you like and just run speaker cables to the speakers (ie. have the amp somewhere close so you can adjust volume easily)

The APE provides either an optical output or an unamplified analogue output, so either option will require the use of an amplifier in order to power your speakers.

If you already have the speakers then you'll need to invest in an external amplifier. Typically these are large units but in part this is because they are commonly combined with AV processors and much of the physical size is due to the need to put the AV connectors somewhere. If you just want to amplify audio from the APE to your speakers then you can pick up a small amplifier from most electronics stores (Jaycar, DSE) that would do the job nicely.

If you don't have the speakers yet, consider buying some 'computer' or 'multimedia' speakers that incorporate an amplifier into the units. A reasonable 2.0 unit (two speakers no subwoofer) can be found for less than $50 new.

So how would computer/multimedia speakers stack up against regular speakers in terms of sound quality and loudness? I'm keeping options open here.

Computer speakers compared to real hi-fi speakers? Complete and utter crap.

OK so it seems Hi-Fi speakers + amplifier are the way to go. In terms of amps, what's my best bet? I only need one that connects APE to speakers.

I really like the KingRex T20 - KingRex T20

Speakers and amps out of the way, let's focus on the APE. I could get a new one, but let's face it - with my Time Capsule less than 10 metres away from where the system will be located, I can't justify the need to get a new one. How safe would I be going on eBay and getting an old generation one, in light of the 12 month death problem?

For the price difference? Not worth it IMHO - buy new for $119, have piece of mind and a 12 month warranty

Jesus. Overkill much?

For my new place (in a couple of weeks) I plan to do airport express + some average 80s/90s stereo amp and speakers.

it's for outside - you don't want to be spending a ridiculous amount on sound for outside.