I haven't actually owned one of these (yet) but if I were doing this I would buy a DVD player instead of a CD player. I've listened to some DVD players that sounded pretty darn good, and you have the advantage of also being able to watch DVD movies. Some (Pioneer) have 24/96 digital outputs. I wouldn't spend too much on one, especially since this market is still evolving. Also, I would buy the DVD player new because they can have problems and a defective cheap one probably isn't worth fixing. For the amp and speakers, try to buy used stuff locally. The best route might be to find a local dealer that will work with him on this project. IMHO and experience, an audition of a piece of gear in the room that you will be using it in is worth 10,000 opinions on the Internet. Buying on the Internet is great and some good deals can be found, but a novice would probably be better off being advised by an experienced audio retailer. Being a young man, he is probably going to be attracted to billion watt amps and speakers with 30" woofers. I would urge him to buy the best quality that he can afford rather than the biggest - he'll enjoy it longer.
Musical system for under $2K?
My nephew stayed with us this past weekend, and was bitten by the "audio bug"...he now wants to put together an "affordable" music system for his appartment based around a CD player, an integrated amp, and a pair of monitor speakers. He listens mostly to classical and jazz, but also to rock from time to time. Any favorite combos? I'd prefer it if you limit your suggestions to systems that you own (or have owned) and that you have found to be musically accurate and satisfying over the long haul. His total budget, including stands, wire, and interconnects is just about $2000, and he is open to buying used if it helps him get more for his money. Thanks in advance for all your help. Deborah.