I think that bass is bit relative to where you start from. For example, when I got my first pair of 5k's, they replaced an old pair old Mission 707's and a Sugden amp (this was great when I was a student !). I thought that the bass performance was out of this world even with the 206 I had. Just over a year ago I bought a 596 and 568. The 596 made a huge difference over the 206 and all was still hugely enjoyable. I'd also added another pair of 5k's and a 5k centre.
I'm probably in my adolescence with Meridian right now with a this set up as I still have aspirations (albeit not the budget) to go further. 5500's are very tempting and I note with interest Mr Doody's comment about that upgrade. This weekend I started seeing what a sub would do for the system. I borrowed an M&K1250THX, which after a bit of faffing around really sounded quite good. The extra depth on music (in stereo preset mode) was really very enjoyable. Hence my comment about it being relative to where you come from in your hi-fi journey. Moments before switching it on, I didn't think there was going to be much difference in musical sensation, but I was wrong. 5.1 movies also sound totally different with the .1 going through a dedicated sub rather than all the 5k's. Loads more detail all round.
I wonder now what a pair 5500's would do at the front or even 6000's. (Good job my wife won't be reading this;-))
I guess you just have to do some demo's to find out what works with what (and your budget)
cheers
NickL

[This message has been edited by ncpl (edited 02-17-2002).]

Rgds,
Nick