Advice for friend putting together a surround sys.

Surround is so 90's

Have a look at the NAD T747 (around $600) and a Totem Dreamcatcher set ( 5 speakers and sub). Would be great for music also.

Alternatively, you could piece together a set of speakers used, as long as the front 3 match. Too many choices to even begin suggesting.

I totally agree w/Meiwan. The Nad T747 is on closeout (I just bought one) and a steal at that price. Just make sure the speakers are 8 ohm .... again, too many choices to mention.

if he can stand to do it in chunks he can do source/amp and fronts, later add a sub, then add center and surrounds. takes longer but you get a better system and get to enjoy along the way.