Best speakers for around 1000

A friend of mine lost everything in tropical storm Allison. He is just getting around to replacing his stereo and is looking for suggestions. I'm trying to talk him into buying something used to get more bang for his $$$, but he's not convinced he wants to go that route.

Don't know what his front end is (talked to his wife who didn't have a clue). These will be used to listen mainly to classical, some rock. They have a young daughter (7) so stability is somewhat of an issue, as is the WAF (nothing huge/clunky). Any suggestions in this range, both new and used? He was looking at some Infinity, and I obviously thought he could do much better.

Thanks in advance!

Jim