A system under $1k an interesting link

(I think it should be noted that all of his stuff was new, an important consideration for many people)

I convinced my parents to upgrade their Sony boombox for an NAD L40, Triangle satelites (they wanted a thin profile so they could put them on the mantleplace), and some leftover 47 labs cable I had. They're thrilled for under a grand (everything new, from dealers they could drive to in under 15 minutes).

OK, so I cheated on the cables.

vandy 1b used $400
marantz cd63 used $150
creek 4330 used $300
pro grade interconnects and speaker wire for $50 from Sam-Ash.

I don't think that system would sound very good--there's good tubes and cheap bad tubes which is the WAV. The Tivoli is ugly for a hifi rig. The speakers are the only thing he chose I'm OK with, but alot of others here have listed better choices. At <$1,000 a s/s integrated is the way to go, bookshelf two-ways, and a decent front end. That sony DVD/SACD/CD for $200--get real: all quantity and no quality. SACD won't sound good on a cheap DAC.

Used and DIY:
Audiolab 8000 series integrated amp. $300-$400
(this thing had awesome features for biamping and wireless remote)
Audiolab 8000 series cd player (or the Marantz CD-63 Marakanetz mentioned) $Speakers: Murphy Blaster MBOW1 $350 parts (lots of other good DIY and used choices though)
Tuner: The Dyna FM-3 (this a good spot for tubes) $50

(an Acurus DIA-150 for <$550 and the Marantz CD-63 at $150 would be a good combo plus speakers. The acurus had a passive linestage too, basically a power amp with volume and switching features.)

New:
Electronics: NAD for CD (maybe DVD too) and the integrated. (I'd forget about the SACD thing)
Speakers: Any good 2-way with 5.25"-6.5" mid/woofs and the tweets) Lots of choices.
Cambridge is probably ok too. My brains not workin good on the new stuff.

Cables aren't where to put the money that cheap--unless you're finding some real bargains. Basic wood stands for $40 if there's nothing good someone already has. For Vinyl, save some more money (the older Duals from what I heard one time are worth it sometimes at garage sale prices.)

Sugarbrie's stuff is all new also except the tuner.

I agree...for 1k new this is a pretty interesting system...however...for the same amount used...you could easily surpasss it...but used gear is market dependent...

Jolida 25w tube intergrated...$300-350
Trianlge Titus $250-$300
Rega Planet Orginal $300-$350
Target stands $80 (new)
DH labs cable $100(new)

this is roughly 1k..give or take...and is a system I assembled for a friend...hey...beats 90% of the stuff out there...even hi-end rigs...considering its limitations(bass)...but in small rooms...very good sound...