[Say]

Charles,

Dependent on the kind of amp your friend already has I would try out one of those Dakiom feedback stabilizers before changing amplifiers. If he has a class AB amp then have him put one of those buggers on the back of it. It will cut down on noise and goose the bass region. Everyone likes to get goosed in the bass region don't they? 

Otherwise he'll I'm sure he'd like a high powered tube amp that rolls off the top, something like an older model CJ.

[Say]

...another thing. To further cut down on noise he should take a small gauge wire and screw it to the chassis of the cd player and hook the other end to ground. Here's another tweak - ENACOM AC line noise eliminators next to his outlet (or in the outlet).

[Say]

...with each step he'll loose miniscule amounts of detail but it sounds like that is what you say he is looking for anyway since it will cut away at the grunge.

[boead]

Seriously, grab a Dynaco Stereo 70 and hook it up to some Quads...  It's great.

SO MANY people like that combo, got to try them one day.

[Napalm]

Thanks for the input men. The amp is NOT for me. It is for a gentleman who has a problem with high frequencies. He sits in the last row in the concert hall to get that full and colored presentation. Which he loves.
   He hates bright, detailed and thin sound. He is a different type of listener. It appears the Pass or Bedini amps may be an option.
  Chocolate would best desribe the sound he is after. Thanks again for the help.
charles

Why didn't you say so from the beginning. What he needs is the NAD C375BEE. In the unlikely event it's still too bright for him, there's a "treble" control on it.

Nap. 

[Ericus Rex]

Yeah, Napalm has it right.  This is probably where your friend needs to go.  He can then optimize each recording's high frequencly reponse as needed.  In addition to NAD, Vincent audio has tone controls on most of their offerings.

[boead]