$2000 budget -- what to buy?

Well, he could do much worse than a used Classic and a pair of Linn speakers, that's for sure. How big a room will this be used in?

I would recommend the latter myself as it gives more flexibility in the future without having to sell off a complete unit and start from scratch if "upgraditis" hits.

I noticed that you have a full linn system...is that the sound that he likes? maybe he could look for a used linn integrated amp & a matching linn cd player (I see that there are no integrateds for sale currently however)

kudos on helping out your friend and bringing another soon to be crazy audiophile on board...good recommendation on the used equipment also.

Ellery

For a newbee, I always recommend that he not buy anything he cannot audition before purchase. For the most part, that precludes buying used. So be it. The worst thing an experienced audiophile "friend" can do is to foist his tastes on his non-audiophile buddies. I don't mean to sound harsh, and I'm sure you have the best of intentions, but remember that this is going to be HIS system, not yours.

If his budget is $2000, I suggest he start visiting shops in the area, and tell them he's lookng for $1000 speakers. Get to know what's out there, and what he likes. Once he's narrowed down his speaker choice, you can help him build a system around it. Trust me, he'll wind up with a system that's better for him, and that he'll be prouder of.

you might do better to offer to help him go audition.Such demostrations could seem intimidating first time out. Find out what his ears hear, and then you will know what to point him to.Of course, the difficulty is allowing him his own level of observation, going through the process with him, not for him.