$2000 Budget for a speaker + integrated amplifier

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.......

For about $2k used, I bought a Bryston B60 and Audio Physic Yara Evolution Bookshelves here on the 'Gon. Couldn't be happier.

Of course, it must be said that he's going to need a good source to make it sound good. If he's using an Apex DVD player or the analog outs from his TV, don't waste his money.

Redgum RGi120 - $750 used and has driven everything I've thrown at it very well. You won't find much press on it, but it is supremely musical.