Well I have to say that my Epos M12.2 speakers (Retail $1000) have both better cleaner and more responsive bass than my old Tannoy R3 floorstanders (but they also are superior in the mids to highs too). I was suprised at that but it just goes to show that a high quality speaker can suprise you.

If you are pairing it up with a subwoofer then I would go for a decent set of bookshelves.

Why don't you just go to the stores and have a listen?

Pete