Ok, that's assuming this is not already taken care of, and what kind of room the system is in. Also, I don't think $1500 is going to get you all the treatment most rooms need, unless one DIY's. I've heard some damn fine sounding rooms with no treatments at all. But for the most part, I agree with you... You got me.
More specifically, how bout on any piece of electronics or cables for $1500? That work?