Help me put a system together for under $1k.

Maybe this is cheating but an Eastern Electric CD Player with Audio Technica Headphones might be found used in the price range you are describing. 6 moons review.

Unfortunately won't be something he can play for the gang when they come over, but hey - that's what your system is for right? Will give you the sound you are looking for and a good start he can build on later if he likes.

Finding the quality you want under $1000 is gonna be tough IMHO. Not sure I agree the ipos will meet your sound quality requirements.

I'll go with what I know. I picked up a used NAD 320bee int here ($300) last year for my 2nd system, and it should do just as asked: smooth, balanced sound at a reasonable price. A can't miss, IMHO, and should last through the college years.

I added a Sony 9000es sacdplayer at $450, which is a killer player. Does dvd also, which may add to the enjoyment. A Sony 222es would sound great also, and cut the cost while adding a carousel.

Speakers? For me, JM Reynaud Twins do the trick, but they may be a bit refined for a kid, and push the budget over $1K. Were I shopping in the $300 range, I'd be awfully tempted by the Epos, but there's been a lot of good recs on the small Infinity speaks as well. They carry them at Best Buy IIRC, so you could take him there and give them a listen.

TTs, I'd look for a nice used Technics, Pioneer, Denon, etc, and see if he takes to the vinyl. It would also be a useful way too teach setup, etc.

Have fun, and I hope your son appreciates what a great dad he has.

What does your system consist of? If you dont mind.If you and your son do share similar tastes maybe people here could make suggestions of components that share similar characteristics, or even comparable components at a reduced price. its just a thought

Does he already have a computer?

At work my Apple G5 is connected to a Swan M20L satellite/subwoofer set up that sounds decently good using iTunes as my music source. Swan speakers are known for being "midrange first" in design, so that ultimate extension at both is slightly sacrificed so a full-bodied midrange comes through very nicely. The sound is natural and dynamic. The subwoofer has a built-in amplifier for the sub and has stereo outs that feed the satellites.

At work my friend set up a dedicated computer/music server which can play 63 continuous days of songs through iTunes without repeating a single one. Plus, a computer running iTunes gives your son the ability to explore new music genres via the online iTunes Store.

I bought my Swan sat/sub unit on Ebay for about $170. Used in conjunction with an existing computer or adding an iPod for $300-400 would make for an affordable, musical system that won't have the family running for cover every time 50 Cent starts bumpin' in the Candy Shop.

Hi
I agree with the posts above saying that dont decide for him, its not a very good start point.You could do a speaker an amplifier list(to reduce the spectrum) and take him to audition. So he can decide by himself. The process will be fun and will let you know what he really wants or needs.