What speaker could safely be ordered without hearing it first?

The correct answer is "none".

Take Klipsch, Quad, Magnepan, & KEF - all with 50+ years longevity, loads of admirers here, radically different approaches, sounds, amplification needs, optimal room locations...

Or Infinity, Genesis, Thiel, Vandersteen, Linkwitz, Wilson - visionary creations of legendary designers with dramatically different & different sounding products.

There are many, many reputable speaker makers out there.  Your question is not frivolous, but the only "safe" general answer is to confine your choices to the speakers that you've already heard.

However, the more context you give, the more likely folks here can give you specific suggestions of speakers to track down & hear before deciding.

+1 petaluman. Never buy any hi fi product without listening to it first - preferably in one's own system.

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. 

Rockport of course. Check out the reviews and comments on the forums. Universally praised as some of the best speakers made. Good luck !