[PEB]

Please consider adding the newest 3-way bi-amp BESL www.bamberglab.com speaker to your list.  It begins shipping next month (although it is actually a very mature design that has primarily been "re-packaged"). 

As to the 2-way versus 3-way debate, I'm confident you will be better served by a 3-way, as they generally play louder without strain.  And I agree with the advice to look for a dedicate 3-way design as opposed to any sub/sat implementation.  The latter too often puts the responsibility of "designing" the lower crossover in the hands of the customer (which to my view is irresponsible on the part of the manufacturer).

Concept rendering of the (color-coded) cabinet shown here.  Footprint of the base is 14W x 18D.  Ships in six cartons. 

Photos forthcoming in about two weeks...

[JLM]

PEB said, "And I agree with the advice to look for a dedicate 3-way design as opposed to any sub/sat implementation.  The latter too often puts the responsibility of "designing" the lower crossover in the hands of the customer (which to my view is irresponsible on the part of the manufacturer)."  The BESL website states that with their sub (part of their three way bi-amped system), "All you really need to do is adjust the bass level to your circumstances (with the onboard bass EQ switches)." 

So the mid/woofer crossover has been designed, OK.  But now the woofers are locked into a position that might be great for mids/highs, but terrible for bass proprogation.  And you're still leaving the customer to adjust the bass output/roll-off. 

Instead if you looked into ACI, the Sapphire XL could be purchased with the right sized sub (choice of 3).  I'm sure Mike could tell you the settings for proper mid/woofer integration and you could place the sub(s) where you want while providing more than just bass EQ switches to adjust the bass and maximizing the view.

[PEB]

JLM said

But now the woofers are locked into a position that might be great for mids/highs, but terrible for bass proprogation.  And you're still leaving the customer to adjust the bass output/roll-off. 

Passive 3-way speakers do not provide for any control over the bass level, which is needed for room gain effects, and personal preference.  Active bass via bi-amping does.  The bass EQ controls are used primarily to work with the room gain characteristic.  Small room = set the EQ for a sagging bass.  Large room = set the EQ for flat bass.  In no case does the EQ setting de-calibrate the bass/mid crossover. 

Because the bass units are a stereo pair, localization effect is not an issue, and the bass/mid cross point can be moved up (120Hz) so that even the monitor roll-off is not affected by the room gain curve. 

By contrast, moving a separate subwoofer around in the room de-tunes the phase of the crossover, and you are right back into the syndrome of "why does the subwoofer not blend properly with the monitor?" 

So I have presented the customer with the necessary controls to adjust overall level and EQ to his/her liking, but without de-tuning the crossover in the process. 

And of course the bi-amp 3-way overcomes other limitations as well.  See http://www.bamberglab.com/s5-tm-xls_features.shtml