Help with a system for a friend


 A friend asked me to help him put together a stereo system for under $6500. I think there’s no better place than here to get answers. He listened to my system and enjoyed it. I have Bryston equipment and aerial speakers, schiit dac, and a Sonos for WiFi.  It’s a detailed, transparent clean sound, good damping.  

His needs are simple.  Integrated amp, speakers, and a music streamer for WiFi.  No vinyl.  All new, no used.  I’m going to steer him away from hegel (no need to discuss this).  Any suggestions?  Leave room for cables.
Thanks
crossfree
He needs to find a loudspeaker he likes first. Go do some listening. I could pick one for him but I'm an advanced audiophile and my selection would probably not be to most people's liking. 
Speakers first. I've moved on to active speakers they sound so much better to me using DSP in the speaker to crossover the drivers. If he wants simple look at active and a streamer it's all he needs. 
I locally heard some Vandersteen VLR CT's and was very impressed - match them up with a Simaudio Moon Ace - integrated with a streamer - and you are good to go.
Model 6.  Glorious sound, but I have a rather large room.

i bought a new hegel, then had a new replacement sent.  Both had a damping problem (almost no damping).  Poor service, if you could call it that.
Countdown to Raven, Tekton (and a dig at digital) in 3, 2, 1....

good one
Contact Underwood HiFi, they are very knowledgeable, have a great selection of everything, and great prices
What size is his listening space? Floor or stand mount? Subwoofer(s)? If he wants a minimalist system, then a nice pair of active speakers and a decent streamer will do the job. I do agree that he should at least pick a pair of speakers he likes, then build the rest of the system around the speakers.
@crossfree 

wow sorry you had problems with hegel... i have had several, never a problem... hegel is ideal for what your friend wants -- but it is certainly not the only good amp/dac combo out there

https://wyred4sound.com/products/integrated-amps/mint <<-- excellent performance and tremendous value or

https://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=NMUNATOM&gclid=Cj0KCQiAhP2BBhDdARIsAJEzXlEqcIqs... <<-- great sound and build quality

https://www.spatialaudio.us/shop/m3   << if the form factor and look works for him - the quality of the sound is simply outstanding

or https://www.salksound.com/model.php?model=Song3-A  << wonderful well rounded sound in a more traditional form factor

amp plus speakers plus bluesound node 2i as streaming source...


Avoid hard to drive speakers. Speakers must accommodate room. What is size?
Amplification must accommodate speaker sensitivity and impedance.

Absolutely loudspeaker first. An efficient one would be a good idea as he won't be able to afford a lot of power. Perhaps the Klipsch Heresy or something like it. Then everything follows
Room size is probably 15x20, no smaller.

hilde45, or anyone with Raven.  I wonder if Raven Nighthawk would be enough for this size room?  Also would it drive a pair of small Martin Logan esl’s w/o woofer amp?

Spendor A7 vs Salk songbird 3?