I'm 6' 1", 240 pounds, and have been riding a Trek 1000 (started around 260).
That's below your price threshold, but the 1500/1600 are right about the middle.
I find the frame geometry very comfortable. You should definitely ride a number
of different frames (Trek, Giant, Specialized, maybe Felt or Cannondale) to see which
one feels & fits best. At that price point, all the components will be about the same
(probably 105 stuff).