Want to setup basic home audio system

Start with the speakers.  You listen to a wide range of music.  This will make it difficult on a tight budget.  Might be better to start with decent monitors that get the midrange and treble right knowing you could always add a sub later as funds allow.  Then you need to focus on getting an integrated that complements your speaker choice, sonically and electrically (able to drive them well).

If you find an interesting piece in your price range, read all you can online about them and what others who have experience with them have to say...

thecarpathian:
If you had 1.5k to start with, what would you look for in the used market? I heard a lot of good things about focal speakers so I was leaning towards the chora 806. Maybe an amp or integrated that goes with these speakers? If you know of better speakers in that price range, what are some brands and models you recommend?

corelli:
Okay got it! Speakers 1st, integrated 2nd. Do you got any recommendations on how to get my wife to leave the house so that I can set it up? I don’t want to drug her🤷‍♂️(seriously joking on the last part) I love her and won’t drug her for speaker placement. Do you got any speakers that you recommend?

There's a Rotel ra12 integrated for sale in Olympia I believe that looks like a good deal. Its a dealer ad so make sure you have guarantees if interested. Us audio mart.
Speakers, if it were me, the Ascend Acoustics Sierra2 with Raal ribbon tweeter.
I believe a pair for sale here.
$450 asking for the Rotel regularly $1000
Around $800 for the Sierras regularly $1450 
If interested, negotiate!
That leaves you $250 for good cables.