For a newbee, I always recommend that he not buy anything he cannot audition before purchase. For the most part, that precludes buying used. So be it. The worst thing an experienced audiophile "friend" can do is to foist his tastes on his non-audiophile buddies. I don't mean to sound harsh, and I'm sure you have the best of intentions, but remember that this is going to be HIS system, not yours.
If his budget is $2000, I suggest he start visiting shops in the area, and tell them he's lookng for $1000 speakers. Get to know what's out there, and what he likes. Once he's narrowed down his speaker choice, you can help him build a system around it. Trust me, he'll wind up with a system that's better for him, and that he'll be prouder of.
If his budget is $2000, I suggest he start visiting shops in the area, and tell them he's lookng for $1000 speakers. Get to know what's out there, and what he likes. Once he's narrowed down his speaker choice, you can help him build a system around it. Trust me, he'll wind up with a system that's better for him, and that he'll be prouder of.