weez,
Being a music student / teacher, you may consider Studio monitors as speakers. Say NHT, Yamaha, Rogers. A used reel to reel will give him all the analog experience he will need with unlimited flexibility for creating Music. A Music Hall TT will go a long way as well.
I would also recco an Adobe Pro program for ripping and creating musical works. The Outlaw is a good receiver. The NAD line is alterative as well as Rotel. Of course some Grado headphones.
Wish your Son luck in his pursuit of his PHD. Your listening sessions will be very interesting with a PHD in the house.
rollo
