Have you considered a used AV receiver? There are lots of high end AV receivers here on audiogon that can be had for well under $1000, heck for $500 you can get a THX/DTS/etc 5.1 or even 7.1 receiver that was over $3k just a few years back. The only real disadvantage of these units is they don't have HDMI inputs. But this doesn't matter unless you have a BluRay player, and even if you do, you can run the HDMI directly to your display and the audio (5.1 or 7.1 analog) to your receiver.
For the speakers, I agree with the above - spend your $1500 (or now $2000 with the money you saved) on a good pair of mains and possibly a sub. You can fill in the rest later as funds are available.
There is lots to choose from in this range, and certainly some good used deals here too. A personal favorite of mine is ACI (Audio Concepts, Inc). They don't advertise, only sell direct, etc. They have been around maybe 25 years and continually get rave reviews from the critics. Problem is you have to buy a pair to check them out - but they have a 30 day return policy.
A pair of their Emerald speakers and their Force sub would fit your stated budget. I have this setup in my bedroom and it is wonderful. Even some of my big ticket audiophile friends were impressed.
Disclaimer - I have no affiliation with ACI other than being a satisfied customer. There are other small shops like ACI that only sell direct and offer similar value. Bottom line - at $1500 to $2000 you should be able to find a very good set of mains and a sub that will form the basis of an excellent system.
For the speakers, I agree with the above - spend your $1500 (or now $2000 with the money you saved) on a good pair of mains and possibly a sub. You can fill in the rest later as funds are available.
There is lots to choose from in this range, and certainly some good used deals here too. A personal favorite of mine is ACI (Audio Concepts, Inc). They don't advertise, only sell direct, etc. They have been around maybe 25 years and continually get rave reviews from the critics. Problem is you have to buy a pair to check them out - but they have a 30 day return policy.
A pair of their Emerald speakers and their Force sub would fit your stated budget. I have this setup in my bedroom and it is wonderful. Even some of my big ticket audiophile friends were impressed.
Disclaimer - I have no affiliation with ACI other than being a satisfied customer. There are other small shops like ACI that only sell direct and offer similar value. Bottom line - at $1500 to $2000 you should be able to find a very good set of mains and a sub that will form the basis of an excellent system.