Help Recommend a Good System for $2000.

Thank you, some nice recommendations.
The Kestrals are spkrs I've owned and enjoyed with an Electrocompaniet integrated,however that might be more to my taste than my friends, but remain a possibility. I am not familar with Sonus Faber Spkrs. Yes mos def 2nd hand purchases are the way to go (except maybe part of the digital end, which will be a necessary part of the $2000 budget.)So I guess Spkrs and amp/preamp should come in at approx. $1400.@ 2nd hand prices to allow for Dig.source and cables.
Hmm not sure about the Vandersteens that is a thought.
What about NHT ST4's as my friend is more of a classic Rock Fan? I see these @ $500. Any one with any experience here? What amps/integrated would pair well? Any other thoughts?
Thanks again...

I prefer to buy new, as opposed to used. The speakers are the star here.

Spend 40% speakers, 40% amp & dedicated cd player, 20% for a blu ray player and cables. When your buddy can free up another $150, he can purchase a standalone Logica internet radio.

Speakers:

Ascend Acoustics Sierra 1s - $850

Integrated Amp & CD Player

Cambridge Audio 550 Amp & CD player - $800

Blu Ray Player

Sony 580 - $120

Cables

Spend $150 or so with Better Cables or Signal Cables or Audioquest. Plenty out there.

Rich

Are you at all comfortable with DIY projects? If so, I'd suggest making the cables. Making your own version of the Kimber braided IC's is really easy, and the DIY extension cord speaker cable (from Lowe's, Home Depot, or even Walmart) is even easier. If you're not into that idea, then just start him out with Blue Jeans Cable. It'll leave a much larger chunk of the budget for quality gear than almost any other product out there, and won't be completely outclassed by gear in this price range.

As far as components go, you might find that a Peachtree integrated would be a good choice as the built-in DAC is excellent, and it would allow for a computer source via the usb input. I would recommend reasonably efficient speakers (>=90db) as the power amp isn't very stout (in the iDecco I use). The main complaints about these things have concerned the power amp, but you should know that it's not suffering from the usual class D issues. It's grain-free with a nice tonal balance - just not the last word in resolution or dynamics. If you went for the Nova instead of the Decco, you'd have a better power amp and more flexibility for inputs. The other great thing is that if he decides to keep upgrading, the Peachtree makes a really nice preamp and headphone amp, just a DAC, or an all-in-one second system further down the line.

If you're wanting to go in a completely different direction, let me suggest a loudspeaker. Look for the Martin Logan Aerius or Aerius i. These definitely thrive off of significantly more power than the Peachtree can provide, but they're brilliant speakers. With the right amplification, I really think you'd have to spend a ton more to beat them. They should be 8-900 used (maybe $1000 with shipping if you can find any locally). I really can't recommend these highly enough. You can probably find a used Adcom 5500 or B&K EX4420 for < $400 that would be a nice match.

You might take a look at the Virtual Systems here on Audiogon, specifically the Budget Minded area to get ideas.

I'd do a mix of new and used equipment:

Tekton M-Lore at $650.00
Jolida Fx10, Sophia Baby, LM, Almarro 205, and similar $500.00 or less new/used
Grant, Shiit or similar DACs $350.00 +/-
Used transport Sony S9000ES, SACD/DVD/CD player or similar $195.00
JW interconnect and speaker cables $60.00 plus