This is fun.
Okay....here's the final (?) word on what is happening with the audio part of the housewarming gift:
He's getting the IDA-8. I just committed to buying a pair of Mike Lundy (mlundy) built Encores from Nature Boy. 'My' first mlundy built speakers and I won't even get to hear them until April, 2020. My son will add a subwoofer after they're settled in. I think he wants to see what's available in the ATL area.
I think the SpeedQueen set is a great idea - and I did mention this brand and its reliability to him a week ago. However, he's got his mind set on an LG pair from Costco. We'll see what he decides. He's an adult, and I don't want to step on his toes with too many suggestions.
Tyson,
Yeah. I thought about the ST-70, but 1) He hasn't been bitten by the audio bug, and 2) He really doesn't want an amp that needs that level of attention. He can leave the IDA-8 on 24/7. It's easy peasy. Hell, he's going to inherit all my gear when I die in <probably> 25 years, and that thought is pretty intimidating for him right now. [I've got three friends who have asked to be added to my will, so they can get my Apollos.
]
Update:
The IDA-8 is sitting in the living room. The XLS-Encore speakers (built by mlundy!) will arrive tomorrow. The Blue Jeans speaker cables ought to arrive tomorrow as well.
I just ordered a Rythmik L12 subwoofer. Shaun has no need for the Rythmik F12G that I own and enjoy. Perhaps, the L12 will give him a taste of better than mushy bass, and he'll someday be able to appreciate even better sound (or not).
As for the washer/dryer....He ordered the LG 4.5 cu ft capacity front loader washer and the 7(?) cu ft electric dryer. He's excited.
Michael