Would you EVER buy speakers without listening to them, purely based on
say, reviews? The thing is that the limited local audio stores on the
island may not carry a full line of varied speaker makes and models.
And I don't want to be limited to the present selection.

yes.... I saw a great review on the Pinnacle PN5+ (now replaced by
the AC650) and saw a blowout sale and I bought 'em. The best thing I
ever did beyond buying my Magnepan's. I also bought the NHT Super
Zero cold...they are good but I would prefer the Super One I think.

But for a den....it will be hard to beat a Pinnacle ac650..look at the
low end response stats when you compare den boxes.....

Look for a pair of used Magnepan's on the island but beware of their
tweeters and that you will likely have to repair them with factory
replacement parts...............

I have a NAD 302 integrated in my den....it is lovely...but so are
some old Luxman integrated and receivers....

Luxman R105 R115 R361 if not abused and L105u too