While you are out about, I would suggest listening to some large panel speakers. They may come across to you as a "wall of sound' because they are. But they are distinctly different in the way they present music--instead of small diaphragms moving back and forth relatively long distances, they have vastly larger diaphragms moving a much smaller distance. They are visually overwhelming in some cases, like the larger Magneplanars and so users tend to be very serious about audio, and in some cases to maintain domestic harmony, must find a location other than the living room to stash their audio treasures.
But for many of us die hard audiophiles, they are the most appealing of the various approaches, given the very large soundscape they produce, and the sense of effortlessness with which they convey sound. The very good ones tend to be expensive, require serious amplification and may be beyond what your friend wishes to spend, but you at least owe yourself a listen. Magneplanar is one brand that is available in Europe, there are several others here in the states, the very best of which are names like Sound Labs and Sanders.