Since when do .7's cost 3 grand? You better tell your pal that Maggie's are a bitch to drive and that he's going to need need high current amplification. Most integrated's are going to get spanked trying to drive those unless they are in the expensive range. Been there, done that.
Friend needs advice for $8,000 system
My friend is starting out from scratch with an $8,000 budget. He listens to all sorts, but mainly indie rock. He's keen on the Magnepan .7 speakers and lives in a small apartment, so listening room about 4x3 metres. Don't worry about cables. We just need a power amp, a turntable, a cartridge, a phono stage, NOS tubes, and a DAC.
How do we achieve:
Truthful tonality/timbre
Truthful harmonics
Liquid sound
Transparency
Speed/Dynamics/Pace/Rhythm/Timing
Soundstage Coherence
All for $8,000 new.
Cheers!