Integrated Amp and Speakers for a teenager?

I second the Cambridge Azur 540 or 640, if you want to go for a new amp. Another possibility are Yamaha-integrateds. In your stead, however, I would search the archives here and on audioasylum.com for $1000 amps, and look ot here on audiogon which ones you can find used.

For the integrated amp, you can purchase a NAD C320 BEE ($400 new). I can not think of a better integrated amp for the money. More than sufficient power (50 wpc); excellent with all types of music; well built and reliable; and it will sound good with a wide variety of speakers and cables. I have used the NAD every day for a year and a half now, and have not had any problems.

If you would prefer to go with a receiver, look at the Denon DRA 395 ($350 list). Very nice unit for the money.

As for speakers, there are some outstanding bookshelf speakers out there. For starters, you can try the Wharfedale Diamonds 8.1 ($200); the NHT SB2 ($400); or the EPOS M 5 ($550 - just received a killer review in What Hi Fi Magazine). These 3 speakers will also all sound good if placed near a wall. Another way to go, are the speakers made by Axiom Audio . Look at the M3ti ($275) or the M22ti ($400). Axiom products are available only through the internet and they usually pay for the shipping.

Don't go crazy with cables ... in fact, if you are spending more than $75 ... you are spending too much. Radio Shack's gold series interconnects and mega speaker cables are very serviceable and do a decent enough job. Don't get hung up on cables, until you are working as an investment banker.

I tried to steer you towards purchasing new equipment, because you would be covered by the manufacturer's warranty in the event that your units ever require servicing. Reliability is my number one concern. Accordingly, for each manufacturer that I recommended, I have owned their products before. Also, you should be able to find these products locally or to make a web purchase and possibly save sales tax and shipping.

Regards, Rich

Although perhaps a little above your budget, I recently purchased a "second" system consisting of the Cambridge Audio Azur 640A integrated amp, 640C CD player, and Focal JMlab 706S bookshelf speakers plus stands. I am very impressed at this system for ~ 1500. You could always downgrade to the 540A and 540C to limit your budget.

I don't believe you should spend more than $150-200 used for your int. amp. On Audiogon, NAD 312 $150 obo. On E-bay, a couple of Rotel RA-820's are for sale. Absolutely nothing wrong w/ older electronics. They were build very well and sound IMO excellent. I'm really impressed by Sony amps/rec. of the early 80's. But, finding the right combination to work in your ROOM and to your tastes is very difficult! It's quite a challenge. If you were to buy new, the NAD C320 ($320) seems like quite a bargain, which would have good resale value. This would leave you $500+ for spks. Good Luck!

How about something a little different. A used Jolida 102B tubed integrated (around $400). Since this is only 20W, you'd need some efficient speakers. The Epos ELS3 might be a good choice. I believe a tubes integrated would meld quite nicely with your classical/jazz tastes.