Ayre CX-7 CDP ($3k retail)
Ayre AX-7 Integrated amp ($3k retail)
Some nice relatively easy to drive speakers ($2-3K)
Rest of money spend on cables.
The above sound will be better than anything short of the Wadia 861 ($8k retail) pumped directly into an amp. Which would break your budget.
The Ayre CX-7 is really a nice player, especially when being put into Ayre preamplification. This combo also gives your friend the choice of adding future sources like a tuner or SACD player etc.
I can suggest an Ayre dealer if you do not have one locally to you.
KF
Ayre AX-7 Integrated amp ($3k retail)
Some nice relatively easy to drive speakers ($2-3K)
Rest of money spend on cables.
The above sound will be better than anything short of the Wadia 861 ($8k retail) pumped directly into an amp. Which would break your budget.
The Ayre CX-7 is really a nice player, especially when being put into Ayre preamplification. This combo also gives your friend the choice of adding future sources like a tuner or SACD player etc.
I can suggest an Ayre dealer if you do not have one locally to you.
KF