I have a McIntosh system with somewhat similar components.
I have a C712 Pre, a MC150 Amp, a MR-73 Tuner, and a new
Music Hall MMF-25 CD Player. I am currently using Thiel
3.5 Speakers and really enjoy them a lot. Mostly I listen
to classical - as well as some jazz and oldies.
The Thiel 3.5s are not the last word in bass extension -
but they are wonderfully detailed and VERY accurate. Piano
and strings sound like they should. You can usually find
a good condition pair for about $1000.00 or so. If you are
looking for better bass extension you might also want to
look at the newer Thiel 2.3s - which tend to sell for a
little under $2000.00.
By the way - I'm using Transparent MusicWave speaker
cables, Transparent MusicLink Plus Interconnects from my
sources to my C712, and Audioquest Corals on all the rest
on my connections. the sound is just wonderful - very
smooth, detailed, and easy to listen to for hours on end.