Limiting the conversation to conventional dynamic drivers and not horns...
Let's say the tweeter, as typically, goes down to 1.5 to 2KHz. In a 2-way, that means the woofer has to cover up to that. Any woofer, any size, designed to accommodate that wide range will be compromised for upper midrange or low bass. More the latter. Physics, mass, etc...
Then, you get into power handling, which is also driver and frequency dependant. End result will be that a 3-way is more likely of stronger dynamics.
In a 3-way, you also get to raise the tweeter crossover point, which can be very useful, particularly for some ribbon types. Our ears are most sensitive and discerning in the vocal range, although that exact frequency range is still debateable.
Every crossover has a phase shift but so does the driver, over a wider range. The advantage of 2-ways is not only the simpler design but the higher crossover uses smaller inductors and capacitors.
It comes down to how you listen. A personal choice. Nice to have a choice.
Let's say the tweeter, as typically, goes down to 1.5 to 2KHz. In a 2-way, that means the woofer has to cover up to that. Any woofer, any size, designed to accommodate that wide range will be compromised for upper midrange or low bass. More the latter. Physics, mass, etc...
Then, you get into power handling, which is also driver and frequency dependant. End result will be that a 3-way is more likely of stronger dynamics.
In a 3-way, you also get to raise the tweeter crossover point, which can be very useful, particularly for some ribbon types. Our ears are most sensitive and discerning in the vocal range, although that exact frequency range is still debateable.
Every crossover has a phase shift but so does the driver, over a wider range. The advantage of 2-ways is not only the simpler design but the higher crossover uses smaller inductors and capacitors.
It comes down to how you listen. A personal choice. Nice to have a choice.