I have 95db Wharfedale speakers 8 ohm min horn tweeters. Had the top of the line Pioneer Elite -- it wasn't enough at 125 watts per channel RMS 20hz-20khz --- and the watts were rated full bandwidth not the usual 1khz you see now. It had a large power amp secion with massive caps a copper chasy and Bryston like THD numbers. It was an expensive glorified paper weight. My new Marantz at $300cdn the 4300 I would not bother with for two channel music.

I would not judge 2 channel standmounts - the AN J Or E has more bass than the 604S3 with ease will both play deeper than the 604. The only B&W than can beat the E for bass depth is the model Nautilus at $40kUS. And bass quality is somthing too few have heard.

One speaker you may really want to look, because the Audio Notes are way above your price range is the new Gershan Acoustics Cameleon - It looks great and has bass to 32hz - also bettering the 604. I have not heard this particular Gershman but at $1700.00 you have to try and find it and see what you think - it only has an 8 inch woofer just like the Audio Note's and it too is a two way .

He addresses the bass and notices the sae things I complain about. The Gershman X1 standmount was very accomplished but needs a bit more bass - the Cameleon may be a terrific speaker that goes under a lot of folks radar - oddly the Opera Sauvage was the only one that never sounded right in the room and it's their flagship - but not all flagships are the best the company makes.

http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazin...2/gershman.htm
I stress you should not buy based on this review or any review but it may have the balls you require and I use it to illustrate that there is more to bass than how many drivers. The AN E is a two way standmount and it has plenty of bass - for trance at least if Delerium counts.

The Cameleon is simply cheaper and I happened to stumble across it. http://www.gershmanacoustics.com/cameleon.html