$1500 system for a friend

@zavato how about a Marantz M-CR612 (all-in-one CD player plus streaming integrated amp) plus a pair of Internet-direct speakers (e.g. SVSound, Emotiva, Ascend Acoustics, Aperion Audio, etc.)?

Does your friend wish to purchase new or is he/she willing to enter the used market?

What is size of room where the system is to be placed? 

I would consider the Onkyo 7030 CD player at ~$150. A well built player, over 15lbs., with digital output allowing for DAC upgrade. 
Blue Jean cables are good at this price point. Also used Audioquest. 

Schiit Audio. would be another good place to look. 

Saga ss preamp($299) and Vidar amp ($699) brings you to $1000 that leaves $500 for speakers, cables. 

not hard to find good speakers used for that. or new for that mater. 

 I would suggest loading your CD's on a computer and add an inexpensive DAC later (like the Schiit modi ($99) or Audioquest black or similar). he could also go for one of the above mentioned CD players. 

 Also for an entry level system don't worry to much about expensive cables, power cords and room treatment, that can come later. focus on speakers amp and source for now. Really you can get good cables from many places that are not expensive. anti cables for example.  Or roll your own by buying cable from a place like Parts connexion. 

Vintage as some have mentioned is another worthwhile route. 

1- forget about used

2- I have interconnect and power cables I can give to my friend and for speaker cable blue jeans will fill the bill

3- speakers- my thoughts run to Elac 

4- Onkyo or perhaps NAD

5- electronics- how much is a Rega Brio?