Want to setup basic home audio system

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.

You say you are in Washington state. Have you ever been in Hawthorne
Stereo in Seattle? Ask for Dominic. You might want to spend some time
exposing yourself to options before you spend any money. Streaming
is a smart way to go for you. I would look at Cambridge audio for
a combo unit and try to add in a speaker you like that fits the budget.
Good luck to you!! Please report back. People here live vicariously thru
others fates and fortunes!