Thoughts for a system for 5000

Go with Rogue tube gear, Soliloquy 5.0 or pick up the Tyler Reference monitors. That will get him started at $2500-$3000 + cd player. Can also add a sub for the rock and latin stuff. Look at Hsu for best bang for the buck.

Have your friend look up my current system under the "Virtual Systems" heading. I put the entire system together for approx. $5000.00 and it sounds just wonderful.
Also, it should be mentioned that the McIntosh preamp has
a very good MM phono section; so adding a turntable later on
will be easily done.

Check the recent thread "Best System for the Budding Audiophile."

I would...: Pass Aleph 03 amp $900-1200
Resolution Audio 50 (CD with volume control no need for pre) $1500
Reference 3A MM De Capo $1500-1800 monitors
Discovery 1-2-3 $150
Kimber PBJ $50

Amplifier: One of the very best ss amps is the Odyssey Stratos for $995. check out the reviews at odysseyaudio.com.

Preamp: look at Odyssey's Tempest preamp for $995 also.

CD player: Sony DVP s9000es. Excellent for SACD/cd/dvd at $800.

Speakers: A pair of used Aerial Model 5 or similar monitors for less than $1000.

Subwoofer: Used Bag End Infrasub 18 inch or Triad Platinum 18 inch sub for $800.

Cabling: Used Harmonic Technology Pro Silway Mk II interconnectst and a pair of Pro 11 speaker cables for about $700.

For $5300 and a few dedicated circuits/lines, this would be a very nicely detailed and powerful musical system where one could enjoy watching an occassional movie as well.

-IMO