IMac died, how do I get data off Time Machine to new iMac

My sisters iMac has had HD problems in the past - we replaced hd at Apple in the past.  I am unable to start the computer up again to look into anything. It was apparently sending out a lot of error messages, the main one being the HD was out of space. I first tried to transfer some big files to an empty external, but couldn't. I tried to restore the OSX, but it failed.  Can't remember the exact message, but I know at that time, I figured the HD failed.   ANYWAY...now they cannot get it started up.  It's old - so they have decided to buy a sparkly new iMac for the house. 
Here's my question:  They ONLY backed up with the Time machine - onto an external HD that sits on their desk.  When the new computer arrives, what is the best way to go forward.  Obviously, the easiest is to restore from a TM backup....but is this RISKY being we don't know what was going wrong with the computer? I don't want them to drag over any problems  to a new machine.   Is there anyway to ONLY pull info/data - music and pics - over from the TM backup on the new machine?  I know with a program like CCC which I also use, I think this is an option - but I really don't know with TM?? 
Should/Can I bring both computers to the Genius bar for something like this ?
Any info to get us started will be very helpful !  Little sis relies on me for help....so I turn to you gurus ! 
Christine

Use migrate assistant.. there is a heap of info here.. although it finishes at Mountain Lion it is still relevant to Mavericks.
http://pondini.org/OSX/MigrateLion.html

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