$1500 system for a friend

If the friend has CDs, he has a CD player, and that CD player will be fine. If no CD player, then CDs can be stored in the attic.

Then: 

*Outlaw RR2160 Receiver ($800)
*Elac bookshelf speakers ($200) connected with whatever lamp cord, etc.
*Audioengine B1 Bluetooth music receiver ($200) + Spotify Premium and
*Spotify iPhone app as remote control (presuming WiFi access) (free)
*Hsu Research subwoofer ($350) + a few cheap RCA cables ($50)

Total $1600

Rock on!

I realize many of you have vast experience, but as a fellow newbie I would approach this in a slightly different manner. I dont want to argue cables and their value- but my hope is that some would agree that cables may not be as apparent on a lesser system. I would put my biggest chunk on one used component that had more winshield than the others- possibly$1200 to a really nice pair of used higher end speakers- like Vandersteens, NHT, or Klipsch or Ohms- with rubber surrounds. The remainder on a used NAD receiver and CD player- I  see a used T-753 and T-534 CD on auction for $150. That leaves some coin for a few CD's to actually enjoy.  If he gets into it, he will eventually upgrade but a decent set of speakers can hang around for a long time. That' what I just did. I could afford much more but I spent $2k on speakers, $750 on an amp, and bought an older high end transport/dac for CDs. I made my own cables and recapped the amp because I like to see how things work ($100 for good solder, iron, and sucker, another $27 in nichicon gold caps) Totally pleased with how it sounds and I now have a better idea what to look for inside components.

Again, you guys are pros at this, but at first I just wanted decent sounding music that didnt come from a Sonos.

I didn't see that used was out of the picture until just now.

Decware zen se84 UFO 
Omega loudspeakers Super 3i Monitor Speakers
and save for a CD player 

For a great starter system take a look at the PS Audio Sprout100 Elac System for $899. Plenty of cash left for a nice CDP and some CD's.

https://www.psaudio.com/products/sprout100-elac-system/#tab-features