need help -- budget system for a friend....

I'd definitely look at used, but preferably somewhere reputable like Audiogon.

My first instinct is to spend half of that budget on the best condition speaker you can find from B&W, NHT, or Quad. Then spend the rest on older Rega (think original Planet) or Rotel components.

Try Shanling MC-30 ($650 >750 used)integrated tube amp with build in CD player and Omega speakers ($450 > $750 used for smaller monitors)
or Consonance Cyber 10 tube integrated $600 and Oppo universal player $100.

I nominate the NAD entry-level matching set:

C-515BEE CD player at $299 and
C-315BEE integrated amp at $349.

The latest issue of TAS has a very favorable review for this pair of NAD components.

Add the AV123 ELT525M minimonitor at $299 and you're there.

Alternate speakers could be the PSB Alpha LR1 at $199/pair, or if he's willing to go just a little over budget, the PSB Image 15 speakers at $379/pair.

The PSB Image series are uncommonly refined and smooth for their price. Very linear from the lower midrange throughout the treble.

Get a 1-meter pair of these interconnects and these or these speaker cables.

soul, blues, African music -- all acoustic.
Add Vandersteen 1 C to the list
when most audition the 1C that are used to hearing live music there reaction seems always positive.
Mr Stark above also owns the larger Quatro Vandersteens.
Best Johnnyr