I don't think one has to spend so much like in the above to make multi-channel sound as good or better than a passioantely installed 2 channel set-up. Maybe just put a couple of REL storm subs for front and back and Sonus Faber Concertos all around. You don't even need a center speaker or channel as phantoming will often do a better job. But if you do, get another Sonus Faber Concertino pair for the center. With this set-up you may need the Outlaw Audio ICBM for bass management when playing SACD & DVD-A.
Alternatively, get 4 outstanding full range floorstanders from Klipsch, Quad, KEF, Tanoy, SF or B&W or some other well-known brand in the $3-4,000/pair price points.
Then get any 4 or 5 monoblock tube or SS power amps connected to even a pre-owned Rotel, Arcam, NAD, Parasound, Krell, Sunfire or Lexicon multi-channel SS preamp. Then get a good universal player from great brands like Proceed or Meridian, if they produce one. I don't think they altogether will cost more than $30T, give or take another $5T. A far cry from the $100T+ set-up in the above.
But this doesn't mean you can't get an involving multi-channel system at even a fraction of that. Many who would now enjoy a Harman+wharf or mission 2-channel set-up will benefit from just additng another pair of speakers from the same brand, assuming the receiver is already multi-channel. Passion does not always equate to $$$, though they help a lot. It just requires some degree of determined planning to arrive at the system you like. But firstly, it is important that he must be convinced multi-channel is the way to go. The rest will follow.
Just my musings.