I was shopping around for a hardtail freeride/dirt a few weeks back. I ended up scoring a good deal on a new, fully built-up Cove Stiffee SL (now called a Foreplay MX)/w Manitou Shermans...

However, while shopping I did see a sale on a brand new Norco (I think it was the Hun; not totally sure) right in that $1500 price range with some decent components like Marz Dirtjumper forks, Race Face components, Hayes hydraulics, Sun rims, etc.

The components are so good on the Norco, that you could easily upgrade the frame down the road.