Well mofojo
First I must commend you on not being concerned about the dreaded "wife input" which in my experience seems to never be resolved.
Since that hurdle has been crossed you are a free ( except of alimony payments ) to choose the perfect speaker, within your somewhat limited budget.
Be patient with persistent and somewhat annoying questions regarding you music tastes, that one is much to personal, Eric will surely mention room treatments, which I personally loath and many others.
Well good luck.