Cult Classics for Young Future Audiophile

I have assembled systems for my three kids with the same goal in mind:

Proton 930 Receiver ($120)
Technics SL-PD887 5-Disc CDP ($80)
Teac V770 Tape Deck ($90)
B&W DM303 speakers ($200)

Parasound R/HD 300 II receiver ($100)
Parasound D/HX-550 tape deck ($69)
B&W DM303 speakers ($200)
Kyocera DA 310cx CD Player ($80)

NAD513 3-disc CD player ($100)
Carver HR752 receiver ($200)
Nakamichi 480 Tape Deck ($100)
B&W DM302 speakers ($200)

or my office system:

Proton 930 Receiver ($150)
Micromega Leader CD player ($200)
NHT SuperOne speakers ($180)

B&K ST-140 amplifier ($200-$300)
Forte or Threshold preamp ($250-$450)
Marantz CDP-5000 ($239) or a used NAD single-disc ($100)

Speakers? Wouldn't buy anything old except for horns.
Would stay newer here. Acoustic Energy - monitors AE1
($150-$200), floorstanders AE3 ($350-$500).

A little more expensive, but maybe worth it:

Prices are for used gear:

Paradigm Monitor 5's ~ $350(?) (around 500 new - no ads)
Creek 4330 ~ $400 (one for sale here)
Nad CDP ~ $150 (couple of ads around this price)

Hey MWilson and Aboldor, have you guys heard these systems you mentioned. Ive seen a lot of this stuff available on A'gon and am also interested i setting something like this up. What are their sound characteristics? I think this info would help us both.

Yes, I can comment on most of my recommendations.

I own the ST-140 (black with gold handles model, 1989 - 105w, not the earlier 70w or later 105w with blue stripes). It has a truly classic and characteristic sound. Even with better amplifiers in other systems, I greatly enjoy listening to this amp, and do so often. It is very mellow, not harsh, and is "tubelike" in presentation. Wide soundstage, not forward and compressed. Laid back and very musical. Nothing like their newer amps, which now lean toward clinical and bright.

The Marantz CDP-5000 is a solidly-built unit that is the basis for the AH! Tjoeb line of modified tubed CD players from the Netherlands. It is a very solid player, with a sturdy platter, easy interface, and good (if small) remote. It sounds excellent by itself, and with a good cheap DAC, is a solid transport that you can be happy with for a long time.

The Acoustic Energy AEgis series has been replaced by the AEgis EVO series, hence the great pricing. As far as I can tell (I own the Aegis EVO 3 floorstanders, and have purchased and set up the older Aegis 3s for a friend), the EVO series is a minor revision, with cosmetic upgrades, perhaps a couple structural mods, and a woofer swap in the EVO 3. Their speakers are designed in UK, built in China, and actually have very good fit + finish for the price. The sound is excellent - very detailed + involving sound, and very fast.

The Threshold/Forte recommendation comes as a me-too on their reputation as classics, and their easy availability. I have not heard them.

Mike