stereo system recommendation

[Honnold]

Can anyone recommend a stereo system w/ these specs:

1) 5 cd changer that is gentle on the cds. I think my old Aiwa system has started to scratch the cds and needs to be replaced. I'd like the changer to be flat and not some kind of cartridge system.

2) wireless stereo speakers. good sound quality. doesn't have to superior.

3) < $1,000.

4) radio and cassette deck (dual)

OR

Is there an mp3 player that would work as a home stereo that has wireless speakers, good stereo sound quality, < $600.

Forgive my ignorance -- I know very little about any of the above and would appreciate any insights.

[ThinkPad]

People still listen to cassettes?

[emorphien]

Wireless speakers and sound quality aren't going to really go together here.

Regardless, I don't know what to recommend that has a tape deck. Would you be ok buying separate parts? A receiver w/ tuner ($100+), a tape deck ($?? can be cheap), and a 5 disc CD changer ($100+). Then you could just pick whatever speakers you want.

[Honnold]

Yeah, I can do without the cassette deck.

I'm most interested in a great 5 disc CD changer that doesn't chew up CD's.

And, of course, a receiver w/ tuner recommendation would also be much appreciated.

I'm happy to get the items separately; particularly if I'm getting the best value for each. ALTHOUGH I'D LIKE FOR THE WHOLE SET-UP TO BE CONTROLLED BY A SINGLE REMOTE CONTROL if at all possible (which I forgot to mention in my original post).

And, it's good to know that wireless speakers and sound quality don't go together. Is that due to the price range that I specified or just a general fact? The speakers I currently own will probably suit me fine if wireless is not feasible.

Thanks for the response.

[emorphien]

In general wireless and sound quality aren't going to go together too well.

I can't tell you specific parts, there's a lot of brands to consider although if you want a stereo receiver you get limited a little bit. Onkyo, Denon, H/K, Yamaha all make some nice midrange receivers and I know Onkyo and H/K have nice stereo receivers that I've used.

I'm a big fan of Axiom speakers, but Paradigm, B&W and NHT (hell even Polk) are good brands to consider. Check out audiogon and look at what's being listed. You can get a pair of Axiom M3Tis for <$300 at axiomaudio.com and they're really great for the price.

If you want to control it with the same remote, a surefire way to achieve this is buy your receiver and CD player from the same company. I suspect Onkyo would be a bit less expensive for this than say H/K but I'm not really sure. I'm looking to upgrade to separates soon so I've been pricing out components.

[Honnold]

I bought an Onkyo DX-C390 (6-CD changer) + Onkyo TX-8511 Receiver both w/ 5 yr. protection plans at Circuit City. Grand total after taxes, etc. of $590. I already have speakers lying around the house so, hopefully, I'm good to go. Thanks for the advice.