I am in the middle of a complete kitchen remodel. I need advise on installing a multi room audio system. The system will include 3 zones: Kitchen area(2 in-ceiling speakers) , adjacent living room(again two in-ceiling speakers) and outside patio(two speakers). I would like to control the outdoor patio with an on-wall volume control knob, the other 2 zones can be controlled by simple remote control.

This is for purely music/audio. This will not be tied into a home theatre system.

What is the most economical/easiest answer? Receiver with multi-zone capabilities? Do I need amplification?

How about hiding a subwoofer behind the sheetrock?

Thanks