If you're willing to shop in the used market, these floorstanders will provide excellent sound and ample amounts of bass for their size:
Gemme Audio Tanto or Katana (v-flex transmission line cabinet). Very easy load on amp, clear sound, lots of bass. Their tiny stature makes for higher WAF. $1000-1200 for the tanto, closer to $2000 for the katana.
KEF reference 107/1 or 107/2: brushing up against vintage category here, but a tremendous value if you can find a restored pair with the requsite Kube. Fantastic sound, but polarizing looks. I'm not sure what size begins to upset your wife's decor. $1400-$2000 depending on condition. Foam surrounds on inner bass drivers rot over time and need to be replaced about once every 20 years.
Onix (av123) Strata Mini: I will be drawn and quartered for mentioning a Mark Schifter product in the elite audiogon forum, but this speaker represents a great value with its driver set and built in 8" sub. It's extremely configurable and a real looker in rosewood finish. You could likey find a pair for $700-800.
The tritons mentioned earlier seem to be a good option too. I have not had a chance to hear them yet, but from what I've read there hasn't been much negative criticism.
Gemme Audio Tanto or Katana (v-flex transmission line cabinet). Very easy load on amp, clear sound, lots of bass. Their tiny stature makes for higher WAF. $1000-1200 for the tanto, closer to $2000 for the katana.
KEF reference 107/1 or 107/2: brushing up against vintage category here, but a tremendous value if you can find a restored pair with the requsite Kube. Fantastic sound, but polarizing looks. I'm not sure what size begins to upset your wife's decor. $1400-$2000 depending on condition. Foam surrounds on inner bass drivers rot over time and need to be replaced about once every 20 years.
Onix (av123) Strata Mini: I will be drawn and quartered for mentioning a Mark Schifter product in the elite audiogon forum, but this speaker represents a great value with its driver set and built in 8" sub. It's extremely configurable and a real looker in rosewood finish. You could likey find a pair for $700-800.
The tritons mentioned earlier seem to be a good option too. I have not had a chance to hear them yet, but from what I've read there hasn't been much negative criticism.