The speakers you choose will have the single greatest impact on what your system sounds like. Last time I brought speakers for my main system, I drove 3.5 hours to listen first. Yes, your room will make a difference, yes, your other components will make a difference, but no single thing makes as much difference as your speakers.
I'd strongly recommend that you do one of 2 things, choose to listen to what dealers around you have or take a trip. As others have said, there are many many excellent speakers on the market, there's probably something near you that will fit the bill, but I'd not, take a trip with your wife. Go to a city with multiple stores. Take her out for a nice dinner and listen to some speakers.