stereo for someone special

How about this.
I have listen to it at Ralph Glasgal (Audiophonics)house and it sounds really nice.

more pics, and another one

I would love to own one and I'm sure your mother would too.

The sound fills the room quite nicely - there is no volume control :) but I am sure there is an old pair of sacks which will do the trick.

I am sorry.
for whatever reason the links do not work but here are the pics from that event.
I am sure you can guess what I had in mind.
http://www.audiocircle.com/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=2705

The Linn classic might be a nice all in one solution.
The Arcam Solo is another good choice.

Linn Classik with Katans.

I agree with the all in one options with a small pair of speakers. Perhaps a Peachtree Decco or Nova with a pair of Usher s-520's, colour matched to her decor.