John Darko did some reviews of actives in this price range. Klipsch The Sevens and KEF LSX II LT. Worth a look. Note The Sevens usually go for more, but Amazon has them for $1100 now which is -15%. Not bad.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5xQsbD5-V8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTwK95FtY3M
But yes, check out the others mentioned, and yes, at least consider a "decent" Bluetooth speaker too. However, if you are to whet her appetite for audiophile sound with a soundstage and imaging, then yeah, "real" separate speakers would be better. Good luck. I hope you can convince her that good sound is important in life. Unless she has a "low board or shelf" don’t forget some stands. Nothing fancy needed, Monoprice is fine.