Suggestions for econo system

You can get a c-370 for under $500 new from some of the NAD discounters like http://800stereo.org/nadc3newmod.html and at that price, it is really worth the $150 difference. To save some money, I would either go with a used ARCAM CD player (I've seen used Alpha 7se players for around $250 on Audiogon) or the Cambridge Audio CD player. This would leave you with about $200 for cables (speaker and an interconnect) which you should probably also get used to save some $$$.

Good Luck

Many thanks to the above comments. I'm awaiting delivery on the MMG's, NAD 370 and an Arcam 7se. When I get it all in I'll set it up at my friends place and let you know what it sounds like. I think it'll be quite good, I think I'm more excited than my friend, a non-audiophile. Thanks to Fineberg for the Arcam suggestion, found one on A'gon and it did indeed free up a couple of bucks for IC/SC's. My friend can always upgrade cdp at a later date as funds allow. Mark

BTW, any recommendations on IC's and SC's with this combo? Apparently the Maggies require bananna's. Thanks, Mark

Check out the entry level cables from DH Labs and Harmonic Technology. I would stay away from MIT and Transparent !

I use Analysis Plus Speaker cables and a mix of analysis plus and TMC interconnects. All of which I have found to be excellent and very reasonable (I got there after much experimenting). I would recommend a TMC white from CD to integrated amp and Analysis Plus oval 9 or 12 to the speakers (you can get these with banana or 'zip' plugs - either of which work well with Maggies). You shouldn't be worried about the Alpha 7, since it has the same transport as the much more expensive Alpha 9se did, it makes an excellent transport for an outboard DAC if and when your friend decides to upgrade.