I realize many of you have vast experience, but as a fellow newbie I would approach this in a slightly different manner. I dont want to argue cables and their value- but my hope is that some would agree that cables may not be as apparent on a lesser system. I would put my biggest chunk on one used component that had more winshield than the others- possibly$1200 to a really nice pair of used higher end speakers- like Vandersteens, NHT, or Klipsch or Ohms- with rubber surrounds. The remainder on a used NAD receiver and CD player- I see a used T-753 and T-534 CD on auction for $150. That leaves some coin for a few CD's to actually enjoy. If he gets into it, he will eventually upgrade but a decent set of speakers can hang around for a long time. That' what I just did. I could afford much more but I spent $2k on speakers, $750 on an amp, and bought an older high end transport/dac for CDs. I made my own cables and recapped the amp because I like to see how things work ($100 for good solder, iron, and sucker, another $27 in nichicon gold caps) Totally pleased with how it sounds and I now have a better idea what to look for inside components.
Again, you guys are pros at this, but at first I just wanted decent sounding music that didnt come from a Sonos.
Again, you guys are pros at this, but at first I just wanted decent sounding music that didnt come from a Sonos.