sorcha, buy separates, not systems then you only get the bits you need and I don't think you need to go expensive - not sure what my stuff cost - Tim, one of my brothers gave it to me - I've got a Kenwood Amp, Aiwa Tape, Denon Tuner, JVC turnatble and unbranded speakers - I'd guess a total mismash but it works for me (or for my parents at the moment) and I think sounds good. The house has cats and a dog - even had a toad in the house last night! but the thing keeps on going...

Jon