Good, cheap 2-channel system suggestions?

[StereoNut]

I have a buddy at work looking for a real cheap (read: $500.00) 2-channel system for his wife to listen to in their kitchen/dining room.  Needs to include CD player, be compact, simple to operate and be CHEAP !!!

I doubt they'll consider used, so NEW only.  Obviously at this price point we're not talking hi-end! 

Suggestions!?

Thanks!
SN

[richidoo]

Denon D-M37 about $400, also in pretty wood tone speakers and silver amp.
http://www.usa.denon.com/ProductDetails/4405.asp

Onkyo also makes one, but reliability is questioned in some reviews.

[mdconnelly]

Any chance they're ripping CDs?  Would Internet radio be of value?  Do they have wifi?  A Squeezebox + AudioEngine A2s would keep you under $500.   The A2s are really nice for the price and eliminate the need for an amp/receiver.    A lot of bang for the buck here!   Another choice would be a Squeezebox Boom for even less.  

Of course, you can find a cheap CD player for about the price of a Squeezebox as well.  Perhaps the Cambridge Audio 340c or a NAD?  

[StereoNut]

Well...

The wife just wants a simple "throw a CD in it and play" system.  The hubby says "being able to run my iPod into it (whether wifi or not) would be great!  Disk-wise, they'd like it to be able to handle CD-R and standard store-bought CD's.

Kinda like the old beer commercials... less filling vs. tastes great! 

They also want to keep the amount of space it takes up to be as small as possible.

Thanks for the replies so far.

SN

[mdconnelly]

Well,  a Squeezebox Boom and a cheap CD player is doable -- The Boom has a line-in via 3.5 mm stereo jack.  I've got a couple of friends who bought Booms.  They're far from being audiophiles but love the sound, flexibility and small footprint.     

[richidoo]

Denon iPod dock brings you up to $500 even:

http://www.usa.denon.com/ProductDetails/4443.asp

but no internet radio, unless he has a wireless iPod, then he can run Paradox, or whatever on it. They say they hired someone to help the speakers not suck...   

[StereoNut]

Thanks, Rich.

That "combo" may be the answer! 

I'll relay the info. to my buddy.

SN

[rollo]

Denon D-M37 about $400, also in pretty wood tone speakers and silver amp.
http://www.usa.denon.com/ProductDetails/4405.asp

Onkyo also makes one, but reliability is questioned in some reviews.

 I will second this recco. i heard it this Christmas while shopping for a compact unit for my daughter We bought a Sharp with i-pod deck at Best Buy for $140.00 instead.  The Denon was clearly a more organic sounding unit but the difference in price was not worth the difference IMO. Our daughter is not an audiophile but knows my sound very well. She was Not disappointed.

charles

[richidoo]

Oh that's cool Charles... I trust Denon midfi from previous good experiences, but never heard it myself. Thanks!

[JLM]

Look for any left over Oppo DVD/universal players (with their own quality volume control built in) and then add Audioengine A5's active speakers.  The A5's have their own iPod dock and as a bonus the Oppo can be used with the TV.