Generally, from what I've heard, is that the white van systems are pretty much what you pay for. While they are really inexpensive, they aren't total garbage, they just are a long way from a quality brand like, say, WHARFDALE...
http://www.wharfedale.co.uk/
The use of a name which is similar to another major audio manufacturer is comon as it allows for the less informed to get more easily sucked into the process.
But, at the end of the day, your room mate wasn't ripped off, he was merely sold a product which was appropriate for the price which he paid and is likely to last accordingly. It isn't a nice system, it is a cheap system, but he paid for a cheap system and it does work, so be happy.
Almost no decent gear ever ships with cables. You buy cables to fit your room, not to fit your equipment, so including cables is generally a waste of money.
Next time your room mate buys something expensive, you may want him to do some research and ask some basic questions prior to the purchase. It could save him a lot of money in the long run.
