$1500 for a whole system, budding audiophile

Many options. A major determinant is the number of sources - CDP, tuner, and/or turntable - and not amplification. I put together two similarly priced systems for a friend, each based around Spica TC-50s but with different electronics. TC-50s are classics that can often be had for $250. I would also include a decent pair of headphones.

Check out Music Direct online. Currently have several brands on sale. Focal speakers, Marantz integrateds, iFi components, Musical Fidelity. Just received catalog and thought of your post, not affiliated.

What are the sources he has now? If he has lots of cd's and no vinyl or cassettes, then maybe you'd cut out the TT or cassette deck. Let's figure out what sources he'll need and then you can maximize the system. You can definitely get an awesome used system with vintage and new gear. Let us know more about his needs and we can direct you better.

I have not heard one, but have read nothing but good about the Arcam Solo Music. AM/FM receiver and cd player in one. I have considered buying one of them used for a bedroom system, but it should work well in this capacity as well. If one is patient, they can be found for less than $1000 on the used market shipped. That would leave $500 for speakers and speaker cables. The Solo Music is 4 ohm capable so there are many musically satisfying speakers available and compatible in your price range. The speaker choice would depend on sonic and aesthetic preferences then (floor stander or stand mount, bass quantity vs quality, type of music listened to, intended volume range, etc.).

I would put 400 into a used amp like a nad 3020, put 1200 into speakers like tekton lore or golden ear, then I second the idea of the schitt dac for 100 assuming you have a computer. There are many other ideas but I think putting as much as possible of your budget into speakers is the best way to go.