DD, another option might be to buy the M60tis, VP150 & QS8s and forget about the sub for now. That should come out to a little less than $2000 with a package deal. You're friend will have a great system (there's plenty of bass from the M60tis) that will last him a long time. The remaining $1000 would be enough to pick up a good quality receiver. Then a little while down the road when he can save up some more dough, he can add a sub to the setup and have a damn fine ht.

"Chickens don't clap."