$3000 Speaker/electronics budget


Hi All,

I am a bit new to the home theater system market and am asking this question on the behalf of a friend. He has $3000 to spend on speakers,amplification and processing. I do not believe the DVD source is part of this budget. Any suggestion as to what components can be obtained at this price point would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.
krazeeyk
Thanks for the great suggestions. I am a big Arcam fan myself so I feel pretty good about recommending that brand to him. As far as the DVD is concerned, I am sure it is in his budget, but he just mentioned that 3K was for amplification and speakers. I think he wants 5.1 at least. Please keep the great ideas coming.

Thanks
Once again the common variables exist that are not being adressed here. For instance, how big is the room, what is the layout like? What are his listening habits and source material choices mostly. I mean is a he a "metal head" or quiet classical and instrumentals guy. Also, is he a loud listener, or quiet listener mostly. Does he walk around the room/home listening to background music a lot. Or does he like to sit "anchored" in his only chair in his listening room, and listens always by himself...or does he have a wide seating arrangement???
These ALL MAKE A DIFFERENCE in gear choices! There's not "recommend for a budget" More info please!!!!
Otherwise, I'll recommend Bose and be done with you.(lol)
Room dimmensions preferable, thanks...
What girlfriend should I get?

Budget is $100 per week, time commitment is 10 hours per week
The new Ascend Acoustics SEAS Editions with a Hsu Research sub would be hard to beat for sound quality under $2000.