... and I haven't even started seriously looking yet!

Looking for new front speakers that can stand alone in stereo mode. I want speakers that can stand on their own, whether hooked to a mono, stereo, 2.1, or on up amp. I don't mind using a sub, I just don't want to have to.

I've lurked here enough to know I need to provide some data, so here goes:

Music: Mostly vintage rock. 50s - mid 80s or so.

Listening room: 16' x 24', system arranged along long axis. Carpet, plush furniture. Wood walls, but with lots of windows (shades, curtains). Acoustic ceiling? (paper tiles)

Budget: $500 - 600 US, but could stretch that a little if absolutely necessary.

I like the tight bass of sealed enclosures. I imagine some modern ported boxes can achieve this, but I've not seen this in any of the specs I have looked at. (Again, I've just gotten started - probably haven't looked at 1% of what's there.) Looks like a lot of them roll off at around 50 Hz or so.

I guess they should be, what, at least bright if not brilliant? I find I always turn up the mid & treb controls.

I'd appreciate it if someone could point me at a few possibilities. There are too many speakers to sift through.

TIA
-Jon

One other thing: They can't look like frat guy speakers. SWMBO would not be amused.