Want to setup basic home audio system

 (Didn't you at least have an, "Erector Set" or something as a kid)?

I suspect he got to that point a little later in life. Most did.

@thecarpathian, ovinewar:  I’m with you — don’t spend more than you need to.  My thinking is that one could go cheap trying to stay within the lower amounts and end up dissatisfied.  So, specifics (and I’m a newbie, so pardon my limitations).

Using the music room site noted above, I found:

NAD C375BEE integrated amp, 150 watts per channel x2, upgradable, with shipping $755

Golden Ear Triton Seven floor standing speakers, with shipping $1069
                                        - Or -

KEF Q550 floor standing speakers, with shipping $1130

Either combo comes in over $1500 and under $2000 and would provide quality equipment with plenty of volume (not sure about these speakers’ efficiency, but 150 watts should be plenty) and quality sound.  Streaming via laptop or whatever.  What equipment would you suggest?

@diripio, I purchased the B&W’s brand new, a few years ago. Never had any issues what-so-ever. For what they are, they sound great. You could probably step that up to the 603 within your budget. I didn’t get them as the 602’s were originally satellites for a 5.1 system. 

So, I guess the, "OP" is the recipient of my, "Good Deed" for the week.
I'll throw some nice cabling, "IMHO" in as well.
 Uh oh, I didn't just legally adopt this fellow did I?
Those "Golden Ear, Triton's" mentioned above are a nice speaker.
 Does anyone know if the "Post Office", still has those nifty,
(If it fit's? It Ships)"!! Flat-rate boxes just sitting there for free?
 I am sure I can jam each of these in a couple of those.
And with a wrap of "Saran" maybe to keep the dust out before dropping them in?
 "Voila"!
None of that "wimpy" bubble wrap or foam-"peanut like", strata, for Me! 
After all, they placed all of those dusty, oxidized and soft/puffy capacitor filled electronics inside that metal case to protect it all right?
And is that $50 worth of , "Postal Insurance" still free with any tracked parcel as well?
Did I say that gear was mint? 
I meant, "It Smells", like mint. "Someone spilled something one X-mas I think.......
Anyway, "It smells" kinda like mint....and....something else......Hmmm.
 Of course, after the dog had all those puppies on top of it.......
And, "Then the rains came".....

Thanks everyone for your opinions and recommendations! I learned more in the past few days than a month of reading about different types of speakers and amps. 

jollygreenaudiophile:
Man I am extremely grateful for coming across someone like you online! You make this passion/hobby way more enjoyable and exciting! Good karma will be swiftly delivered to your front door.
In regards to your request, I believe USPS mails out free shipping boxes in packs of 10 or 25 if you request them online. Otherwise, I know that the post office does have individual ones on the shelf by customer service. 


Thank you everyone for helping out this amateur!