Howdy - first time poster - thanks for taking the time to read this and help me out. Am a regular at roadbike and mountain bike review.

It looks like we're moving from London to Texas and I'll have to ditch my UK electronics. The good news is that I get to pick out a new stereo. All of my music is now on MP3's located on a large hard drive. I currently have a NAD amp and B&W bookshelf speakers which are run from a Dell laptop with Windows Realplayer. The system is fairly small but so is the room it's in.

I suppose I will need to pick up an amp and speakers to suit an average US living room. The amp should be able to take the usual inputs. It will probably be a dedicated stereo rather than home theatre system but having options for retrofit are always good. Satellite speakers (with a woofer) would be great but are not necessary. Speakers in multiple rooms would be great. Wife doesn't like technology or things that look overly male - accordingly, have looked at the Scandyna online but have not heard them. In the name of utility she can be overruled but pink bonus points for cool design. Music covers most flavours (metal to hip hop, country to jazz) but guitars are featured more than electronic music.

Needless to say looking for good quality probably in the $2000 range but I don't have to spend that much. If you think spending more is justified please let me know why - I know what happens when people ask me about bicycles. Please let me know if you need more information or if I'm just asking the wrong question in the wrong forum. Thanks again for taking the time.