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

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.