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

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!