Recommend me a stereo system - mine's about to die.

you need to get powered monitor speakers for the minimum acceptable quality.

something like a behringer with the ribbon active. you just plug your ipod and you have reference class. BTW, while behringer makes shitty gear, their monitors are actually recommended. Some folks sold their 1500 speakers to get those 400$ speakers. If you do get those, get the active version (meaning the amp is in the speakers) and the model with a RIBBON tweeter. if you never heard a ribbon, you will be in for a shock ;).

I would not listen to anyone in here recommending anything less.