Recommendations for a modestly-priced audio system?

I’ll make some of generalized statements: I’d suggest staying away from a $200 tube amp, Rockville or otherwise, there will be no quality whatsoever to it. Likewise, with her present budget the more options you want built into the amp the lower the quality of each of those individual components, and the amp will likely have less power and the quality of that power will also be compromised.

Okay @facten, I'll go ahead and make a "generalized" statement" too: The budget is the budget.

Obviously, without the BT requirement, there are any number of used amp options that would work. Used speakers can be had for a bargain as well. New is an entirely different story. 

That Rockville amp has nearly 700 product ratings, with 2/3 at 5 stars. Otherwise - not having listened to it myself - I never would have suggested it, or anything like it. Unlike EVERYONE on Audiogon, these consumers are not bona-fide audiophiles; but then again neither is a person with $1,000 to $1,500 in total system budget.

Maybe it's just me, but there appears to be an implicit bias that permeates this site, that if doesn't cost an arm and a leg, or if it's made in China, then it must be junk! Well, based on my purchasing/listening experience that just ain't true. Period.

The recommendation I made is one that I would not hesitate making to my brother, best friend, or anyone else in a similar financial situation looking for good sound … and who also knows exactly where I live. Just trying to be helpful.

Happy Listening!


  

PS Audio Sprout100 and Wharfedale Diamond 12.3 would be my recommendation.  

And a Ras Pi4 instead of crappy bluetooth.

+1 for the Sprout + Wharfedale Diamond 12.3 - but it will push the budget (Sprout = $700, Wharfedale = $800/pair).