I had the 2.5's. They have a hump in the bass which can make it sound less refined. Placement can help, so you may want to move them around a bit just to see. The amp has a big effect, as well. I don't know what you have, but it may not have enough power to control the speaker properly.
You have a 2 way floor standing ported speaker. You're asking a lot from the single woofer in the 2.5. You can only get so much out of it. As for a recommendation, everyone will give you a different answer, including me. Giving what you're asking for, I would recommend Vandersteen. If you put a pair of Model 2's next to them, they will beat the 2.5's in every area. Especially bass. However, you still need to demo them first. Its a very different sounding speaker. The Model 2's are more neutral, transparent and detailed. You may prefer the more forgiving, midrange focused ProAc's. If you compared them side by side, most people would take the 2.5's at first. After extended listening, you'll start to hear the things that make the Model 2's better. And if the Model 3's are in your price range, they're even better.