create a system for 2K

I would bet that he would give you a hug if he heard the Harbeth P3 coupled with NAD components. As a musician, he would be immune to hype, (NAD being "mid-fi",) and enjoy the accuracy this combo would produce. These speakers are about as cheap as one can go [new] and get voices perfect, and the NAD components are very good. He would also be perfectly happy using a DVD player for cd playback and then he could also have it for movie watching. If the Harbeth line seems too remote for you, PSB is outstanding for the price, and there are always many styles to be found both new and used. Remember, musicians typically listen to music and not gear, this is a much easier task than trying to please a gearhead. Happy hunting.

Charlie

Let's make it $2500.Here is my suggestion:
1.Loudspeakers-Michael Green Design Classic 60(a member is selling them on audiogon)-$1000.
2.Amplifier:Audiolab 8000S-60watt/ch integrated.There is new from the former distributor for $550.00(www.artech-electronics.com).
3.Player:CEC TL5100Z belt drive-$650.
4.Purist Audio Design Elementa or, better, Aquaeus cables.
I have very similar set-up,and it is very good for this kind of music.

I think the Harbeth/NAD recommendation is a good one. --Though a few of these components have recently sold, I thought the Moth Audio 2A3 integrated (1100), Soliloquy 2A3 monitors (500), and a Rega Planet 2000 CDP (500) would have been a nice combination in the world of tubes. That would still have left 400 for interconnects and speaker wire. DH Labs BL-1 interconnects and Q10 biwire speaker cables would stay within that range quite easily.