Short answer is big (well designed) boxes and big paper woofers just maker better bass.
You can’t cheat the laws of physics on a budget. Efficiency is king, a 16” Altec 416-8C or a 3154 (now made by Great Plains Audio) in the proper box (about 6 cubic ft) will change everything you think you know about speakers. They will also embarrass $200,000. Audiophile models, usually machined from solid un-obtainium.
The big paper woofers just flat out rock and sound real, even with a good 40 watt amp. If it’s well engineered, you don’t need 1000 wats of amp power to get good sound in your home.
The down side, 2 big pieces of furniture in your listing room. My wife used to decorate them at Christmas. She actually liked the vintage look.
Good luck on your project. Think you’ll like the results.