I'd buy it all used unless I got a great deal on new equipment. I'd get an int. amp and some floorstanders which have great bass. (Paradigm comes to mind.) For a source, tuners are cheap and plentiful. Same for CD players. $300 int. amp., $3-400 spks., $100 or less tuner., $200 CDP. No problem at all for the budget.
$1500 for a whole system, budding audiophile
Just imagine you're in high school now. You're going to budget $1500 on Amplification, speakers, and a source/ sources. Where do you spend your money to get you through college and an entry level job? Let's assume you have the computer covered and not include cables or headphones in the budget. New? Vintage? Mix of both?