I dislike Bose as much as anyone, but a big factor might be simplicity in comparison to a separate receiver and disc player.... and he may or may not want to admit that.

Anyone still make some nice-quality receiver/disc player combos as an option? Even if it's only 30 wpc or something, it would likely serve him just fine!

::::::: No disrespect to Axiom, but my favorite woofer is my yellow lab :::::::