Well the Phil's aren't a totally free demo. You pay shipping both ways.
oh, well not completely free, when I was testing and demoing before I found the ascend 340's for my HT, I had to pay $300 in shipping fees returning stuff and at least double that in gas driving back and forth to not so local stores... Its what you have to do to get it rite... But once you figured out what you like, its satisfying every time you fire them up.... My kids are away until tomorrow night {School trip} so I listened to my 2.2 system tonight until about 10:00, my wife came down about 2 hours in and sat with me for about 2 more hours.. Its nice to be able to enjoy something with out a tv screen... Just read the paper {or in my wifes case IN style or womens Health, I guess its better than cosmo, lol} and relax... Take your time and get it rite, listen and try things in your home..
I would order 3 sets you think you may like SVS Ultras {I think they are risk free), Sierras {you have to pay return but I doubt that will be the case}, phils {if they offer a center?}, and what ever else peaks your interest, I heard some PSB bookshelfs this weekend that were pretty nice, I am going to definitely pay more attention to these guys, also heard the PSB T2's that IMO sounded better than B&W Diamonds that cost twice as much, and they sell this little mini bookshelf {I think its called the mini} and they sounded great, kind of expensive for the size, but the sound was really good... Go to a manufacturers sight and use the dealer locator, like Magnepan, PSB, B&W, ect you will find all the stores that sell high end equipment in your area, they will surprise you how close they are...
Find a Dealer / Distributor - PSB Speakers
http://www.magnepan.com/dealer_locations
Find a retailer - Bowers & Wilkins | B&W
Even if you are not interested in them brands if you use their locators, I promise you the stores have a lot more to hear and test out, my local guys will let you pick what you want to hear in your home, then load them up and come set them up in your house to see what you choose.... Obviously you are most likely going to prefer the sierras to most speakers for the price, but you never know, my local guys will even buy your old equipment... You just have to find the rite stuff for you...