Concerning the receiver you might want to take a listen to this

New equipment with a perfect fit to your girl friend's budget and specs. is the combination of the Outlaw RR2150 Receiver and a pair of Epos ELS 3's. Used equipment might offer a better deal, but where used stuff is concerned, beginners should beware. She might have to wait a while for the receiver, but the wait will be worth it.

John Marks gave a good review of the Harman Kardon HK3480 receiver, the HK3380 has a little less power. They both have decent tuners and come with a built in phono stage. One of those with the Epos 3's and you would still have about $400 left over for a nice starter turntable. HK receivers