First, (and I don't mean this in a bad way), women generally enjoy the most elegant (read: easy to use) setup when it comes to electronics. For this reason I'd recommend the Linn Classik DVD, which is a DVD player, processor, preamp, and amp all in one box. Its performance level is EXTREMELY high for such a small box, and it outputs enough power for any HT. These retail for $3000. Only downside: no progressive scan output yet.
For speakers, I'd go with Krix or Totem. Both are beautiful speakers, and Totems new Dreamcatcher surrounds are fantastic with the Linn.
Totem Forest up front, Dreamcatcher Center and Surrounds, and and Adire Audio Rava SE subwoofer (500 bucks through diycable.com...one of the best sub buys on the planet). All this with the Linn would still fall short of the 10K mark, and you could use the rest for decent cables. Cheers!
Brian
For speakers, I'd go with Krix or Totem. Both are beautiful speakers, and Totems new Dreamcatcher surrounds are fantastic with the Linn.
Totem Forest up front, Dreamcatcher Center and Surrounds, and and Adire Audio Rava SE subwoofer (500 bucks through diycable.com...one of the best sub buys on the planet). All this with the Linn would still fall short of the 10K mark, and you could use the rest for decent cables. Cheers!
Brian