a good $1500 home theater speaker/integrated 2ch.

Pick up a used Audio Refinement(YBA's budget line) integrated and you'd have ~1K for speakers.

For versitle 2-channel HT for the playroom I would suggest:

Aperion Audio 533PT's - powered towers w/ integrated 8" sub in each, so no need for an extra 'box' in the space.

Pair with a 2-channel unit from H/K, Rotel or Outlaw and you will be in good shape!

I've heard good things about the integrated amps and cd players in cambridge's azur line. they have a reputation for packing in very high audio quality for the price. they don't seam as popular here as in england, maybe just less dealers here? dunno, but several friends in london swear by them for basic but good sounding 2 channel systems. whichever way you go DON'T SCRIMP ON THE CABLES!