You can guess what I recommended by the simple existence of this post, and how he responded.

Actually, he was pretty psyched. He's all over this idea.

Being a newbie, he has many questions, of course I answer as best as possible, but we all know how "unbelievable" some of the stuff I tell him sounds.

For example, the parts for the crossover. His first response was go to Rat Shack and buy the stuff needed. I smiled at his faux pax and tried to gently tell him he needed to spend HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS for "hifi" quality caps and inductors, certainly nothing Rat Shack has to offer fits the bill.

The foolishness of what I was saying -- that this neophyte to hifi would tell the difference between different manufacturers caps -- was written all over his face. I ultimately said he should look to good, industrial quality parts from a reputable manufacturer, and if some day he thinks he can hear the difference between a Panasonic cap and a Hovland, then, by all means, pop for the new parts.

Having said all that, what would people regard to be good quality yet inexpensive parts to use? I mention Panasonic, but there are several manufacturers (where caps cost a buck or two v. 50 or 60) out there.