Budget system recommendations

I would not go used ... I would also go for flexibility and potential future use and go for AV compatible equipment ...
For speakers, try Acoustic Research 302. Original MSRP is $1000; internet price is $250 (www.accessories4less.com); Go with a quality AV receiver like the Denon 2801, which you can get for $550 or so (www.jandr.com); and I would go for a combination DVD/CD player like the SONY 306D for $200. This would put you at $1000 ... enough left over for cables.

Good luck.

I would check out the consumer recommendations on audioreview.com. They are usually right on. The Acoustic Energy Aegis One is a great small speaker. The NAD amps, especially the new C350, are very musical, and the Cambridge CD players are a great value. Have fun!

If you look hard enough you can find Acoustat speakers for $400. They're too big to ship and lots of people dont have space for them. IMHO there is no deal around that even comes close. Then maybe find a used rega 'mira' integrated (950 new so maybe goes for 600 used? ive never heard it but got a good review in stereophile 4/01, recommended and class B) Connect a portable cd and shazam! you aint got shit. but you didnt go over budget. j/k, i think this system would rock for the bucks. and what's nice about it is you'll keep the speakers forever and when you get a bit more cash find a used rega planet cd player ($800 new so $500 used?) and it'll match the mira. plus it'll all look like it costs thousands)

CAL DX-2, Acurus Dia integrated amp and Alon Petite monitors. Should do the lot for under $1,000, leaving a little for cables/stands.
Alternatives, CD - Marantz CD67 allowing for direct input to a power amp, Amp - Creek 4330.