For $1,600, I think you should get over any resistance about travelling
to Boston or its suburbs. Whatever you do, be sure the dealer allows
you to take the speakers home, listen for a few days and return them
for a full refund if you don't like them.

State Street Discount in Portsmouth sells PSB speakers, which are
highly regarded by many. I have a pair of Axiom bookshelf speakers I
think sound extremely good: neutral, balanced and realistic. They make
floor speakers, too.