stereo for someone special

How about a Squeezebox Boom or similar WiFi internet table radio? These would be my audio gift of choice for most.

Very inconspicuous and no wires except power chord. Variety of music available for free cannot be beat. Sound is good enough for most.

Get her a bose, she will love it.

Get her a bose, she will love it.
Slikric3000 (System | Threads | Answers)

He's right! Are you buying this for her or yourself?

Do you sew?

Is she a music listener/lover, if not I wouldn't bother. My mother would be happier with a plasma television, but that's her. However, this is a really nice gesture on your part and if you decide to do it, I would suggest solid state over tubes simply because she won't have to worry about tube replacement and all of the other maintenance associated with tubes.

Without specifying equipment my inclination would be a hybrid integrated (low maintenance; swap the input tubes every few years; still get some tube effect), solid state CD player and small floor standers that will work well close to the wall. Think about a nice stand that matches her furniture, too, if she doesn't have something serviceable.

That said, I'm siding with C'man (and others). The sound staging, 3D imaging, etc. doesn't matter to most folks. It's more about aesthetics and convenience. That and her telling friends, "Look what my son bought for me!"

Hey, she's your mom. What do you think?