Unfortunately, they are strickly an online company as far as I know. Not sure if there are outlets anywhere so listening may be an issue. But, the best way to audition speakers is in your own home in your own room. HSU has always been rated very high in customer service so I don't think you would have any problems there. I'm pretty sure they have a return policy so you could always try them out and return them if you don't like them. Although, the reviews I have seen so far seem to be good. The HSU Subs are considered to be some of the best in there price ranges and above.
I terms of a warranty, for $30 it can't hurt.
Again, I am not saying the HSU system is the best, but it would be a drastic improvement over ANY Bose and Home Theater In A Box systems and it seems to fit the WAF, wife acceptance factor. There are many other systems out there. You might just want to shop around a while. Some other companies to look at are Boston Acoustic, Definitive Technology, Paradigm, Energy, Klipsch, Athena, JBL, Infinity and Polk to name a few. Most of these companies have systems for around $1k.
Also, look at the new,
http://audioholics.com/productreviews/loudspeakers/5.1SpeakerSystemShootout1.php here are this site. These systems are a little above your price range and you would need to get a receiver but they would also be HUGE improvements over HTIB systems and Bose.
Shinerman.