need help -- budget system for a friend....

I'd definitely look at used, but preferably somewhere reputable like Audiogon.

My first instinct is to spend half of that budget on the best condition speaker you can find from B&W, NHT, or Quad. Then spend the rest on older Rega (think original Planet) or Rotel components.

Try Shanling MC-30 ($650 >750 used)integrated tube amp with build in CD player and Omega speakers ($450 > $750 used for smaller monitors)
or Consonance Cyber 10 tube integrated $600 and Oppo universal player $100.

I nominate the NAD entry-level matching set:

C-515BEE CD player at $299 and
C-315BEE integrated amp at $349.

The latest issue of TAS has a very favorable review for this pair of NAD components.

Add the AV123 ELT525M minimonitor at $299 and you're there.

Alternate speakers could be the PSB Alpha LR1 at $199/pair, or if he's willing to go just a little over budget, the PSB Image 15 speakers at $379/pair.

The PSB Image series are uncommonly refined and smooth for their price. Very linear from the lower midrange throughout the treble.

Get a 1-meter pair of these interconnects and these or these speaker cables.

soul, blues, African music -- all acoustic.
Add Vandersteen 1 C to the list
when most audition the 1C that are used to hearing live music there reaction seems always positive.
Mr Stark above also owns the larger Quatro Vandersteens.
Best Johnnyr

You know what ,I just did a project for a dear friend ,who didn't want to cross the wife....For loudspeakers,there is only one choice:PSB.Really if you actually listened to one you would understand Why JA recommend the Alpha B1,and that's the speaker we ended up with.[220.00 new]

Next the amp,we ended up with a demo set of Exposure 2010,and it drove the speaker beutifully[500.00]

for cdp,he use his philips dvd player ,because nothing that cost less than 500.00 show any clear benefits.

The PCs are all stock cables,and we managed to bet some deals on Audioquest sp cables and Monster IC[200.00]

Total cost:920.00

The system was really superb .the star of the system?PSB Alpha B1 hands down!!!!

Hope that helps.

Arcam Solo Mini and Mordaunt-Short Carnival 1 monitors plus Signal Cable speakers cables and stands. New price would be $1,300, so used should hit the $1,000 mark. I see the Mordaunt-Shorts for around $170/pr. new.

Excellent suggestions Johnnyb. This would make an wonderful entry level system that would take a considerable amount of upgrading to better.

Start with speakers and work back. For new it is hard to beat NHT S-00 and M-00 new for around $750. If your friend has a wireless PC for a source then you may need only an Apple Express or a USB DAC and you are done. Anyone starting out today and on a budget should seriously consider going straight to their PC or Mac as a source.

I nominate Acurus/NHT. Great stuff at great used
prices!

NAD nod is good, i would spend at least $400 on spks tho...used. imo, spks are more critical than amps at this price range . avoid low sensitivity models that suck power. fwiw, dont blow big bucks on spk cables, DIY with monster cables and connects at circuit city or find an off beat seller of good cables. get good cd cable connects tho. paradigms are good but way too many for me to mention. let your friend decide on this part!