$2000 Budget for a speaker + integrated amplifier

Thank you for all the input guys!

Yes, he is looking for book shelf speakers, prefers to stick with the 2.0 set up.

DAC is optional. And based on Prpixel's input, I shall give up the nuforce :) I have never tried nurforce before, and was hoping there can be some miracle with it.

How about some Class T amps by Virtue Audio? looks like they are kinda popular:
http://store.virtueaudio.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=27

according to 6moon's review, the Virtue amps can drive the 85db M&Ds without problem.

I use a Wadia 151PowerDac mini to drive my Stradas in a 9x10 room. It plays more than loud enough for me, but the hard core rockers might not be satisfied. The Wadia punches above its 25W RMS power rating.

I can't comment on the Virtue Audio amps, but if all you need is one analog input, the little guys might work. If not, they have the Sensation amps.

Virtue amps would be an excellent choice. They are well made and particularly good sounding for the buck. As an added bonus, you can customize the color scheme on them and swap in/out different types of power supplies. Good shtuff.

Combine that with say, a set of Nola Boxers or Sonus Faber Toys, and your friend should be pretty happy.

I'd consider Silverline Minuet Supreme speakers and a Jolida 102B integrated amp.

Tekon Lores with a Decware mini torii.......