Help me put a system together for under $1k.

I have been into HIFI since before my son was born, he is 13 now. He grew up listening to the "good" stuff on my system and watched the component come and go over the years as my system evolved over many years. He knows what a "good" sounding system sounds like and like any other 13 year old would like to have a system of his own in his room which is normal and part of growing up. You know, imitating adults with possessions and things he can call his "own", completely understandable to me. I am dedicating $1k to this project of his first system. He understands that his system is not going to be of the same quality or "high" price as mine but we both also know that you do not necessarily have to spend tons of money to get great sound, just have to put a system together with properly chosen components that have synergy and without the obvious or glaring MID-FI shortcomings. That's why I specifically mentioned the parameters I am trying to accomplish with this system in my initial post, because in the long run, it will be enjoyable to listen to. Again, I am looking for a smooth sounding system without bloated bass, harsh highs or very prominent or "forward" midrange. Giving up a little of the bottom octave and the very top for a smooth sounding system is perfectly acceptable and preferable to both of our tastes in sound. Thanks for your input and keep the suggestions coming!

Bignerd100, with all due respect, if I wanted that kind of advise, I would be asking for help on parenting.com not adiogon.com. My kid pays his dues with straight A's in school not chores, that's the direction I am pushing him in. There will be plenty of time for him to work his butt off for the rest of his life, hopefully he will be getting paid handsomely through power of higher education. That's what my parents did for me and so shall I do for mine. Now back to topic....

Wagzel, great suggestion on the drivers/cabinets! Might be a fun project to build speakers together with my son. I don't think they will sound that much worse than the entry level bookshelf speakers we are considering. Timf, my current system consists of Mcintosh 501 monoblocks, MCD201 CD player, Dynaudio speakers and in progress of upgrading/choosing the preamp. The various components that came and went were BAT, various Audio Research gear, Rogue Audio, Cary, Audible Illusions, Mark Levinson, AE DJH, McCormack, Bryston and Martin Logan/Totem/Soliloquy/Proac/Magnepan speakers. I have stopped "fidgeting" around since acquiring the Mcintosh gear, as I find it ultimately to my liking and preference. My family really enjoys the "Mac" sound as well. Trying to duplicate my main system will be difficult but were shooting for "similar sound" on a budget.

With responses like "give him the 1k and let him figure it out. otherwise he learns nothing" and "I agree. ask your son. Chances are he knows what he wants and what will work in the life he lives in. The best place to start is with respect.", it's no wonder the HIFI dealers are quickly going out of business being replaced by small home theater dealers which in turn are also going out of business. Pretty soon there will be nothing left but BestBuy and Circuit City. If this hobby is to have any chances of survival, it is our duty to teach the youngsters everything we know about HIFI, keep them involved and interested in music both current and of the past. It does not take much effort to go and buy any system off the shelf from local electronics store, but the rewards and memories of picking your own first system with your Dad and then enjoying the great sounding music for years to come are priceless. Don't you guys have any memories of your childhood where your parents actually participated in something that was important to you? Those memories do not fade away!