$2000 budget -- what to buy?

you might do better to offer to help him go audition.Such demostrations could seem intimidating first time out. Find out what his ears hear, and then you will know what to point him to.Of course, the difficulty is allowing him his own level of observation, going through the process with him, not for him.

Your plan sounds decent, although I am not that familar with some of those components.

My brother-in-law was in the same boat a month or two ago, and this is what he got.

Basis 1400 turntable, w/RB 300 arm. - (used $850)
Grado Gold (new $125)
Thule Spirit IA 100 (100 wpc integrated amp) - (used $450)
Nad PP-2 phono preamp - (used $75)
Thiel CS .5 speakers - (used $600)

Total = $2,100 (Close enough to $2K)

(Yeah, I know, the Basis far outclasses the rest of his stereo, but it was my old turntable, and he loved not only the sound of it, but the looks as well. He built the rest of his system around that actually.)

Good Luck to you and your friend.

If sound, best sound for the money is key, then this is the absolute best IMHO :-)

Used Cayin (TAD) TA 30 Int amp - $600
Used Ack dAck - $350
Toshiba 3960 player as a transport $45 new at best buy
Used or new Usher X719 speakers $500-$800

or

Used Green Mountain Audio Europa speakers - $650

I dont think one can get better sound for the money.

Cabling you should buy used except Usher makes a speaker cable called the Rapport that sells for $175 new and it rocks! Luminous Audio Rennaisance speaker cable is good and cheap. DH labs Air Matrix IC's used. Many other good cabling ideas here on Agon.

What he ends up with could depend very heavily on where you go looking and what's available. Where do you live?

The guy lives in New York City.