A 'First' System for my Son

Here's a thought: Get a pair of Cakewalk (by Roland) powered monitors. They have RCA inputs, plus both coax and optical digital inputs for their built-in DAC. They also have a built-in headphone amp and headphone outputs. Lastly, they have tone controls so he can tone down the top end when listening to crappy compressed recordings.

These things are like a Swiss Army Knife of audio. They are a complete system (pre-amp, amp, dac and speakers) minus source devices.. You just need to attach the source components via either RCA analog connection and/or coax/toslink digital.

I think they are about $179 street price. I'm listening to mine right now. Oh, and I use them connected to my outdoor movie projector when we watch big screen movies in our back yard in the summer.

They are not full range as they are very small, but they have good resolution and good dynamics. If he's a headbanger, they are likely not going to have enough bass unless he uses the bass boost or bass tone control knob.

I would recommend a couple of different directions:
1- New Peachtree iDecco and Era4 speakers. Substitute a used Decco for less $$$, use a cable for the iPod.

2- Used vintage receiver and speakers. I would recommend a used Sansui 5000A or X and a pair of Klipsch KG-4s. That combo will rock the house down. You will need an external DAC for the iPod - the Musical Fidelity v-DAC or one of the HRT units are very inexpensive and sound great.

The advantage of the receiver route is that your son can also listen to FM (free music, what a concept!) and LPs if he is ever so inclined. That's how I started off my kids and they listen to more music mor ethan they watch TV by far.

Figure out how much you're willing spend and schedule a time to take him shopping to listen to different equipment with a not to exceed budget. Get him what he wants. The most important thing is that he have some investment in the system or it won't mean anything to him. Don't do the shopping for him, just provide advice.

Audioengine A5 powered speakers. Provide iPod and done.

easing him into some very inexpensive but potentially good or even great vintage stuff may encourage him to take an interest, while integrating the modern sources will also give him an appreciation for technogy and how to make it all work together well. I tried to get my guys interested in a really old amp/pre setup i had and still have and they wouldn't go for it or the vinyl either but they're not 'old' just yet. some of their friends were there years ago and i cant keep those guys out of the living room.