I picked up a Harmon Kardon avr635 from VANS last year for less that $600 and a Mirage 12" sub for like $349. It has a little trouble driving my Dynaudios which are 4ohm and want lots more power. Overall but for the speaker connections, the HK is good for the money.

I would shy away from systems that include the receiver and speakers since they will surely skimp on the speaks.

Have your friend buy the best speakers he can afford and then choose the head unit. That way when he wants more, his speakers will not need to be upgraded.

I also like Onkyo gear. It was the first products I bought with my first income tax check in 1977............ooo am I getting old.