2 way vs 3 way question

The limiting factor is really the surface area of the woofers.

Yes, and in a lot of situations, a smaller speaker, with a smaller woofer will sound better in a lot of rooms.

What the 3 way really gives you is better dynamic range, but the lower it goes in Hz, the more it will wake up the dragons.

IMHO, a really good compromise is the 2.5 way.

Best,
E

They sure can. Proac, Spendor, Harbeth, etc. are a few good examples of outstanding two way designs that I am familiar with!

Audio Note. Zu. 

Well executed at what cost difference?

Tomic601.... 

good point on on the cost difference... so no more than 15% more on the 3 way as a reference point. 

Just as an example... look at Salk... they have similarly priced 2 ways and 3 ways... at a given price point, can the 2 ways really equal the 3 ways