Curious: Why not ask him?
The Bose Wave includes speakers, not sure if that's a prerequisite or if external speakers are acceptable.
What's your budget? For example, if it were me, and it has to be tidy and compact, I'd buy a Naim Uniti and a pair of Harbeth P3 speakers, used if available, and be thrilled with it. That's several thousand dollars, but it is fun to listen to and has staying power as a second system.
Another good one is the Focal Bird system. No CD there though.
At other price points and maybe without CD, you'll find some nice products by Peachtree Audio, Bowers and Wilkins, Marantz, Arcam and so on.
If you give your budget, you'll get a lot of good ideas here.
The Bose Wave includes speakers, not sure if that's a prerequisite or if external speakers are acceptable.
What's your budget? For example, if it were me, and it has to be tidy and compact, I'd buy a Naim Uniti and a pair of Harbeth P3 speakers, used if available, and be thrilled with it. That's several thousand dollars, but it is fun to listen to and has staying power as a second system.
Another good one is the Focal Bird system. No CD there though.
At other price points and maybe without CD, you'll find some nice products by Peachtree Audio, Bowers and Wilkins, Marantz, Arcam and so on.
If you give your budget, you'll get a lot of good ideas here.