Is there any such thing as a high end receiver?

Yeah, I'll throw in with the people that have mentioned the Magnum Dynalab MD208. Magnum Dynalab is known for their tuners and the preamp/amp section of the MD208 is based on Simaudio integrated amps. Expensive, but well designed and nice to look at. But for $750 used , I really can't think of any receivers close to the Magnum Dynalab. Maybe a good integrated.

I notice on today's "for sale" items that several of the integrated amps I suggested are available: the Creek 5350SE, the Bryston B-60, the Rega Mira, and the Arcam. Looks like good timing for you...

I love your choice of Rogers LS3/5A. The Luxman recommendation is clearly the winner. I've owned pieces from every company mentioned above except for the Dynalab receiver. That one is very nice, very expensive. I own a Luxman 1120A and it is magnificent. Smooth, powerful and the tuner is world class, better than the very best late 70s Yamaha tuners hands down. I've modified mine to include a hardwired LAT International PC and internal soldering between the preamp-out/power-in circuit.

A few thoughts come to mind. I too like your choice of the LS3-5A's; but be carefull, as they can be difficult to drive (15 ohms). Your friend is an acoustic musician so chances are she will not be listening to a lot of Metallica; so you should be OK with them and a quality receiver. I'm going out on a limb here, but most musicians I know don't listen to the radio very much at all. If your friend doesn't, the choice of an integrated makes more sense.

If a receiver is the way to go, I am tempted to recommend an older tubed receiver such as a Fisher (one listed for sale here for 350.00) or a Scott; but the fact that your friend knows nothing about electronics and is "non-technical" worries me as tubes will have to be replaced; and they will be more prone to needing repairs. They will however give her a "sweeter" sound than most solid state receivers, new or old.

As far as "newer" receivers go: to this day one of the most incredible examples of "synergy" that I have ever heard was the sound that an old college friend used to get from his AR turntable, Advent speakers, and Yamaha receiver; all '70's vintage. To this day, one of the nicest sounds I have heard, sweet, clear and direct. Maybe it was the room and the way he had the speakers set up; I would not have believed it. Then again, maybe it had everything to do with the substances ingested in those days.

All kidding aside, I like the recommendation of an all in one unit, such as the Linn Klassic. Simple as you can get, and as with most Linn stuff, really musical. Good luck.

I've owned the Linn Classik/Rogers combination and it works very well. Far cheaper and yet still musical is the
NAD L-40. Own one and use it with the LS3/5As at times with very good results as a travel system.
DMC-electronics.com should still have refurbished for $360.