I have a pair of 4430 and a pair of 4435 JBL studio monitors. The best two way speakers on the planet. They have dynamics, low distortion, bass, and excellent imaging.
There are some 2 ways that work particularly well for far field listening as well though. Ohm Walsh and planars like Maggies are two that come to mind. Many other better made 2-ways may also still sound very good far-field as well.
Three ways seldom do well with imaging accuracy listening near field though. One way where it exists and is done well is good also.
Yes - that is exactly what I meant - "in general". It does not mean you can't find something that will work outside this "general" envelope - say in a particular situation or requirement.
I'd add that a two way is often better than a similarly priced three way. Not until you spend a good deal more money on decent drivers will a three way overcome the simplicity and lower parts cost of a two way.
Yes, good 2-ways can do most of the frequency spectrum and allow far field listening. Merlin VSM do this, and have coherence that most 3-ways have trouble attaining. Bass often sounds out of character (incoherent) to mids and tweeters in many 3 ways I've heard, the Merlins speak as one voice.
Also, 2-ways are generally more efficient than 3-ways, allows for lower power amplifier, SET for example.
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