What bass guitars sound the most deep, clear, and punchy?

Any suggestions for 4-string basses in the $500-$1300 range that have
that deep clear growly "tickles your ears" sound when recorded, as
though you can "see" the string vibrating when you listen? Something
so good out of the box, you can plug it straight in (DI) and it barely
needs any processing? Thanks!

(Extra info: I'm recording slow powerful metal with clean / acoustic
parts. I know about EQ tricks, playing technique, duplicate hi-passed
distorted track, etc... but there's only so much you can do with a
dull sounding bass).