[jaochoo]

First of all, thank you all for your replies. I didn't expect that much response (and the bit of controversary) since my topic seems slightly off-topic here. The more I am glad to see all the replies!

Thanks in particular for the product recommendations. I will look through it and see if I can find them here in Germany.

I think it's helpful if I am more precise what my parents want and not want:

• They basically want to have a solution that plays back music (CD/DVD/BluRay, Radio, iPod) and TV sound. They don't really care about Home Theater and movies, but maybe they like it once I show them (I should hurry with my own system so I have something to show). They barely watch DVDs and don't have a BluRay; the main reason though seems to be that the DVD player is used as a CD player on their Marantz rack and they neither like to move it to the TV nor having a cable in the living room.
  
• They want to have something wireless that is unobstrusive. That's also the main reason why they don't want to have a 5.1 or even 7.2 system: When they think of 5.1 systems they think of being surrounded by speakers and cables. I guess I could sell them on a 5.1 system if the speakers are small and wireless and you don't need a PhD to calculate the right angles to adjust them. A 2.1 or 3.1 system be preferred though I think.
  
• They would probably prefer an AV receiver that has "all-in-one" rather than having a separate device for everything. The best probably would be an AV receiver with BluRay and Apple dock integrated. They already have the satellite receiver next to the plasma, and they don't want many more devices there.
  
• They seem to like those soundbars, because for them they look simple, nice, and unobstrusive, but a 2.1 or 3.1 would work as well I think.
  
• Indeed they are not on a shoestring, but I personally find EUR 2,700 way too much for a system that is supposed to play music every once in a while. I wouldn't mind if I could get them something for less than that and spend the rest for something else like a nice HTPC or even a new TV.
  
• It should be a stable system. They admit they are willing to pay more just for the service that someone is coming to their place and setting up and fixing things when needed. However, since we are talking about a sound system here and not a self-built HTPC I believe you just plugin cables and it's good to go.
  
• They have a Samsung plasma that is probably 4-5 years old, an old cheapish DVD player, Sony CD player, and a Technics cassette player on the old Marantz receiver
  

If you could point me to:
a) a general solution/setup/technology (ie. 2.1 vs 3.1 vs 5.1, soundbar vs no soundbar, what kind of devices, etc.)
b) specific products
would be appreciated!

[Vertigo]

What about their existing speakers, are they good enough to re-use? I imagine they are big and therefore maybe cant be repositioned adequately, but perhaps they can and for all I know, they might be they quite good floorstanders that you can match with a center and if needed, sub woofer. Just asking, because when my neighbor decided he wanted a surround system he almost tossed out a brilliant pair of Monitor Audio floorstanders for a crappy 200 euro surround set. Heh.

Anyway, I stand by my point that you will want a 3(.1) setup, not a 2.1 if they watch a lot of TV. Even for music I find it helps create a better soundscape, by using Prologic IIx. IM not a fan of integrated devices though, a matching pair of AVR and bluray is probably a better idea. As for the apple dock, most midrange AVRs have that option, but Im not sure what the point is. Get something with airplay, and they can keep their iphones in their pocket and use it as a remote. That is assuming you have wifi or ethernet there.

[jaochoo]

What about their existing speakers, are they good enough to re-use?

No, they definitely need new speakers, I agree with them on that point.

Anyway, I stand by my point that you will want a 3(.1) setup, not a 2.1 if they watch a lot of TV. Even for music I find it helps create a better soundscape, by using Prologic IIx. IM not a fan of integrated devices though, a matching pair of AVR and bluray is probably a better idea. As for the apple dock, most midrange AVRs have that option, but Im not sure what the point is. Get something with airplay, and they can keep their iphones in their pocket and use it as a remote. That is assuming you have wifi or ethernet there.

Yeah, I think a 3.1 system could work, as long as it's wireless. An integrated device would be preferred, but since the Bose system doesn't come with an integrated Bluray (the salesman actually offered to throw in any Bluray they like for free if they buy, so you see what margin we are talking here), I think it would be okay. There is a wifi in the whole house, but how difficult is it to setup and run Airplay? They definitely need a solution without much fumbling around. I can setup everything for them but then it should run. Also, mom's iPod is a 3rd gen iPod I think, so no iOS/Airplay I think but only the dock.

[Vertigo]

Yeah, I think a 3.1 system could work, as long as it's wireless. An integrated device would be preferred, but since the Bose system doesn't come with an integrated Bluray (the salesman actually offered to throw in any Bluray they like for free if they buy, so you see what margin we are talking here), I think it would be okay. There is a wifi in the whole house, but how difficult is it to setup and run Airplay? They definitely need a solution without much fumbling around. I can setup everything for them but then it should run. Also, mom's iPod is a 3rd gen iPod I think, so no iOS/Airplay I think but only the dock.

Airplay is childsplay to set up and use. Im no apple specialist, so I dont know if that ipod supports it, but most AVRs offer an optional dock if you are sure they need it. But a quick google shows this:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4205

Assuming its an ipod touch, it ought to work. If its not an ipod touch, but a classic, or whatever they called them, Id say its time for her to buy something new . Just about any networked AVR supports DLNA/uPnP as well, so any wifi smartphone should be able to send music to it. The big advantage of airplay is that you can sync and control music playback for multiple rooms to multiple receivers, but Ive not heard you mention that.

[PobjoySpecial]

...

[bluray]

Since they like the simplicity of Bose 135, they'll enjoy the simplicity and sound quality of this "Definitive Technology SoloCinema XTR" soundbar. Have them check it out and listen to it.......