Budget Audiophile system under 2k

gsm18439 I like where you are going.  

Those pieces speak music, not bump and grind.  I did own the Audio Refinement CD player and had lots of issues.  Otherwise, the line is so solid, and cheap now.

Spica speakers, I redid the crossover and wiring to great effect.  I love the old British Celestion.  I owned UL-6, far below the SL 700.

celtic66

I have never had any issues with either my or my friend's CDP. I did have to repair my integrated amplifier, and I did have to replace my friend's tuner. While that may seem a lot, it represents a 20+ year experience; and replacements are cheap. I got my friend two Spica TC50s (one for her living room and one for her office), and I have used SL700s in my bedroom also for 20+ years. The beauty of these items is that they continue to satisfy. I never think about upgrading. As you mention, they are all about the music. 

There is a used, almost new Music Fidelity M2si integrated listed on AG by a member with great feedback. $450+ shipping.

If I didn't already have so many amps I would consider this unit for my 2nd system. 

Rega Brio / KEF Q350 (or possibly PSB P5) /Bluesound Node 2i - should be right around 2 grand.

Fun little system that you could easily live with on a long term basis.

I tend to buy new.

In a 9 x 14 room, I would go for the best speakers that I could, like the Wharfedale Lintons @ $1200 ($1500 with stands).

https://www.stereophile.com/content/wharfedale-linton-heritage-loudspeaker

For the amplifier and the $500 left to spend, I would get something like the  Denon DRA 800 receiver, which would give him all the connectivity that he would need

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_033DRA800/Denon-DRA-800H.html

Rich