The other alternative is to just forget about traditional tower speakers and see if there's an aesthetically pleasing all-in-one wonder that might suit the wife. If not the AxiomAir Force 2 or 3, then maybe a B&W Zeppelin, Sonus Faber Omnia, or a couple of Sonos Fives.

I don't think you'll be doing critical listening with any of these, but maybe they might be good enough, and might even alleviate the bass null at the seating position.

Author of "Status 101: How To Keep Up In A World That Keeps Score While Buying Into Buying Less"