Which sounds better 2 way or 3 way speaker design

3 way designs are more difficult to get right. Also 3 ways are more expensive, so be suspect of a 2 and 3 way design of similar price.

It would seem crossover design is really important to a three-way. I guess if one was to ask this question with the assumption that if you had a three-way versus two way which would be better assuming crossover designs are not part of the evaluation process because they are assumed perfect for each situation.

It would seem to me if this was the case the three-way would be advantageous.

And of course assuming driver and cabinet designs are not impacting the decision either. I think it’s a theoretical question and to me if you separate out the mid range and not have it intermingle with other spectrums that may offer interference it would be better to have a third segment of frequency range and create a situation where more detail is better.

I’ve encountered many 2-ways that outperform many 3-ways. It really depends on implementation.

I’d rather own a 2-way design with top quality drivers than a 3-way design with mediocre drivers.

2 ways with well integrated sub can sound really good. They don’t go that loud without being crossed over if bass heavy music. 

All I can say to that is dhh, for the obvious! 
well wired, quality engineered, the wider the sound stage period. I’ve 4 column 5 ways that out perform most 2-4 ways hands down. Little speakers are just that…little !
Happy new year 

Cheers