Best 1,000 complete system for girlfriend ideas

linn classik + a cheap set of speakers. That's a high end receiver with cd player and tuner. The linn alone will cost 1000. B&W makes some really nice smaller speakers - the 301's. Paradigm makes some nice monitors too.

The NAD L-40 is a great suggestion. DMC-Electronics.com offers B-Stock for $360. I own one as a travel system. At that price it frees up money for better speakers, stands if wanted and decent speaker cable. It's a great piece for the money and performs surprisingly well.

I almost forgot one VERY important thing. Buy Bose. Everybody likes Bose and it may gain her some respect from her friends. After all, it is QUITE impressive : ) Sean
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Linn Classik plus Sound Dynamics, Linn Kan, Spendor LS3/5 speakers. This system is solid. Also, try Creek 4330 plus above speakers and a solid DVD player...
Get her a Linn and she may become an audiophile...

I thought about it some more and the comments to keep it simple are best. So a the NAD receiver or the better all-in-one systems, along with some good speakers. Looks probably matter too, just as much as sound. For looks using regular components, get her a nice looking audio rack to put the gear on.