Budget Audiophile system under 2k

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 

I would look at Omega loudspeakers. Nice quality and easy to drive.  You could go with a floorstander like the Omega Super 3 XRS ($1095) or go up a little in their line to the Compact Alnico Monitor ($1495). Either one can be paired with the Vista Audio Spark Integrated amp ($349).. great results have been reported when pairing with this amp.

Omegas would work as well.  I have owned a few over the years.  The Super 7 mkII are very sweet @ $1000   The Super 7 are also the least amplifier fussy of the line and do well with both tubes and solid state.  Also, the least fussy with placement.  

https://omegaloudspeakers.com/collections/monitor-speakers/products/super-7-monitor-speaker?variant=32164679756

I would still go with an amp that allows both analog and digital connections. 

I am old school and use a Rega Brio with Omega CAMs, but also used the Rega with the Super 7s.  

Rich

The lightly used Musical Fidelity M2si that @mesch pointed out is a nice option. If you prefer to buy new, I believe Upscale Audio has new ones on sale right now for $599. 

Another option would be to pair the Triangle Boreo BRO3 speaker ($500) with an IOTAVX SA3 full function integrated ($500) leaving $1000 for front end of choice.