Speakers need to be placed close to back wall. Help

Any Audio Note speaker. They are designed to be close to the wall behind them.

Larsen 4 or 6 should be within your 4k budget and they are designed to be placed within an inch or two of the front wall.  Www.larsenhifi.com

@rustler, I think that's a WONDERFUL gift!!

Pardon me for muddying of the waters, you've probably already considered all of this, but just in case...

If either of them have any interest in our hobby, OR if either if them are good candidates for developing an interest in our hobby, you might want to involve them in the decision-making process, and you might all really enjoy it.  Sometimes The Quest is half the fun.

Now if neither of them are speaker hobbyists or are likely to become such, you might STILL want to involve them because how the speakers LOOK in their room may be their top priority.

Regardless of the details of how you proceed, I think such a gift is incredibly thoughtful and generous of you.  And personally I like the suggestion of the Larsens.

Duke

I have bought one stereo system as a gift for someone in 50 some odd years of life and only then because that is exactly what they requested as a gift. Unless this is something they have explicitly discussed getting, then it is a poor gift idea. That they listen to a wide variety of music is not a factor. Most people do, and they are quite happy with their non audiophile listening experience. Most would take convenience and matching their decor and feng shui over the best sound. Most considering something better sounding are far more likely to be interested in surround and a big TV to match.  I would rethink this idea unless this is something, exactly something, they have explicitly discussed having in the past.