Cult Classics for Young Future Audiophile

Scott, good practical thinking! Add an original Adcom GFA 555 as a possible amp as well, my son has been using that since he was a teenager with the preamp portion of an NAD 7225 and loves it.

After I made my post above, I drove into town for lunch with a buddy, and we got to talking about audio systems for kids. My friend mentioned that he had recently purchased a Rotel RA-02 integrated amp for use in the recreation room, where the system will mainly be used by his pre-teen and early teen kids. He combined the RA-02 with a pair of Krix Equinox speakers, which are fairly efficient, and he said the system works very well.

This conversation made me do some further thinking about this thread, and I want to amend my comments above. Several points which seem pertinent are:
1. The system needs to address the listening habits of the prospective user, not the seasoned audiophile, so keep your kids needs in mind. Floorstander speakers may not be the best choice, even though I like the idea of something like Vandersteen 1's. A "bookshelf" speaker is likely to be more practical, and easier to drive since it will have less low frequency output.
2. One of the newer models of inexpensive integrated amps might be a good alternative to "classic" separates. It's simpler to use, easier to set up, and if it is combined with efficient speakers it can provide a good taste of good sound. The Rotel RA-02 has gotten very good reviews, it provides 40 wpc, and it is not very expensive. Audio Advisor also sells several other good integrated amps: the Cambridge A500 (65 wpc) for $400, or its smaller brother, the A300 (50 wpc) for $249.
3. An efficient bookshelf speaker (90 db or better) should provide adequate volume, assuming the system will be used in the youngster's bedroom. There are some good choices for lower-cost speakers that should fill the bill:
a. Krix Equinox speakers can be purchased used for $300-350;
b. Wharfedale Diamond 8.1 or 8.2's, which Audio Advisor sells for $200 and $300, respectively;
c. B&W 303's, which have gotten very good reviews, are fairly efficient, and sell for around $300.

Hope all of these posts give you some good food for thought.

Hey, when I was that age I had a little crystal radio with an earphone. The radio was shaped as a rocket and the tuner moved in and out of the nose. That was a neat way to listen to all those, now "vintage" 50's sounds on am radio.
Boy, then I graduated to a desktop GE clock radio and the parents console Magnavox "stereo". Now there's some vintage "audiophile" stuff! Regarding the Apt preamp, which I owned for 15+ years, it's a great piece with the "forbidden" tone controls, that were actually fun to play with. Soundstage was somewhat flat but otherwise a very neutral presentation. The reason I bring up the radio, is that I'm not sure your nephew wouldn't like to listen to the radio. Unless he has a big cd collection...Look at Cambridge Audio separates (which should keep him going through college) or an NAD reciever. Otherwise get the Apt preamp, amp and don't forget a tuner. Agree with the discussion on the speakers byn Sdcampbell.

how about an old Nakamichi Cassette deck or maybe even a phono stage?

Tom

My 10 year old has a Yamaha digital piano and lessons. Part of my deal with him was a sound system to play the piano through. He has a Reference Line 3000 passive preamp, NHT Pro M-00 and S-00 (satellites and sub) which are self-powered, a Mitsubishi DA-F10 tuner and a Pioneer PDR-609 CD recorder. I realize this runs over budget but the tuner (or something comparable) can be had for under $100 and I remember paying $200 for the passive pre some years ago. I bought the speakers and sub for $500 but they don't seem to be for sale used.The Pioneer CD recorder came from etronics for about $230. This is a rig a kid can love and it has interesting expansion potential. Good luck.
I admire your desire to plant a seed. This could be a gesture that boy never forgets. I can imagine him standing on stage at Carnegie telling this story. Maybe that image will expand the budget a little more.