Has2be's suggestion has some merit, I think. While the size of New York kitchens (and social obligations) may mean that a pretty high monthly restaurant outlay can be hard to avoid (for some lifestyles), it might be worth pointing out that upping the outlay a bit could really extend the possibilities, give years of pleasure, and might not require that much sacrifice for your "reasonably rich" friend .
For instance, moving from 2k to 4-5k could make a really substantial difference: speakers for 2-3k instead of the whole thing for 2k. I do realize this is hard to explain to non-audiophiles, but the cost of one dinner at a destination retaurant (Le Bernardin, say) could generate audible audio improvements to be enjoyed long after the $24 glass of wine is forgotten.
JUst my 2c, of course. John
For instance, moving from 2k to 4-5k could make a really substantial difference: speakers for 2-3k instead of the whole thing for 2k. I do realize this is hard to explain to non-audiophiles, but the cost of one dinner at a destination retaurant (Le Bernardin, say) could generate audible audio improvements to be enjoyed long after the $24 glass of wine is forgotten.
JUst my 2c, of course. John