System for a teenager

Dave was out of town on business, the teenager was ready to go the first moment.

I insisted they read these ideas, and view some photographs of the equipment before dropping the cash. It's difficult to help friends who don't share our knowledge. Neither the father or the son has heard of any of these brands names.

I may have to do exactly as you suggest. Robert and his father had hoped for remote control. A player with volume was the only economical way I could think of to achieve that goal without exceeding budget.

Good suggestions, I am looking at Audiogon and other places on the internet for pricing. As to the question of budget. I am restricted to $1500.00 max. I assumed Vandys at about $400.00 (+) and $200.00 or $300.00 for DVD-CD. That only leaves $800.00 for the tube amp, cabling and shipping and insurance.

The reason I choose Vandersteen 2 series is that I know what they sound like. Buying used does not allow for comparison listening and they are a good value and solid performer. I am open to ideas, but there are not a lot of choices with the budget I've been given.

Anyone heard the Consonance "Ella"? An attractive integrated with about 40 watts per channel.

Great responses, and thank you Pete for the extensive post. There are many thoughtful examples of what may be done with only $1500.00.

This teenager is not typical. He spent much of his 16 years in Switzerland and after arriving in the USA two years ago, enrolled in the same school as my son. Since then they have become best friends.

In these two years, there have been several occasions where both the father and son sat and listened to my system. They will share the system and both are convinced that they want tubes. They have been after me for several months to put together a system.

Fast forward to this week. Robert and his father treat my son to ski vacation in Colorado over Presidents day weekend. They return and the system is on and the discussion begins again. The son is VERY sophisticated in his taste, way beyond his years. I agreed and after asking many questions, lead to this thread.

I appreciate all the suggestions. I am researching prices for many of these items to see what can be done. Honestly, I am being more careful than if it was my own money. I hope they will be happy, certainly it will be a better system than what the father originally suggested. A trip to Best Buy and get whatever the salesman suggested for about a grand.

And Pete, like your kids, mine and Robert both have portable systems and Dolby 5.1 hooked up to their computer systems. This is to be the shared "living room" system.

In any case, I will be doing them a favor by following any of the suggestions here. Sincere thanks to you all.

Well, I guess I lost my mind. I saw an ad for Vandersteen 3's that were in my market (Dallas, TX.) advertised here at Audiogon for $875.00.

More than I intended to spend, but no shipping, insurance or chance for them to be damaged. Plus, I got to listen to them before I handed over the cash.

They sound wonderful, and the (previous) owner was using a small integrated transistor amp to power them. They were bi-wired and came with Sound Anchor stands and some cones and spikes. Bob and Dave are excited even though they have not seen the speakers yet.

I could not find any of the AR Complete that Sugarbrie mentioned, nor the other solid state brands mentioned. I looked here first, then EBAY and AudioShopper. Any other ideas or know of the "right" integrated for this system that happens to be for sale?

By the way, the DVD/CD is off my budget. The father bought one on sale somewhere, leaving me about $625.00 for power.