2way speaker recommendations

totem mani 2's with either totem or target 4 pillar stands. awesome full range musical sound.

Gonna have to put an asterisk next to the Merlin VSM's if you don't use Joule Electra tubes (or similar) then the VSM's really aren't THAT good. You have to feed the Merlin's what they want but Even with the Joule Electra compared to the ATC SCM20's they are not as neutral/accurate nor as detailed. A small step down to the ATC's IMO in almost every important aspect of playback.

If you're not afraid of something new the Focal SM8 pro monitors are ridiculously good, if you're not into Audiophile fluufernuutter sound and drink your music straight this monitor is downright shocking when setup properly. DSP EQ with Focal drivers is a dream combo, just run a digital cable from your transport to the speakers, fin. My pick for #1 right now

Dynaudio's C2's are another 2 way option, another very neutral speaker with the likes of YBA, Gryphon or Warner Imaging amplification can be the "best" too.

Note amp and speakers cannot be seperated in my opinion, to get the "best".

ie Dynaudio C2 with any well known tube amplifiers is a pretty weak sounding combo.

No special asterisk needed for Merlin VSM-MMs, in my actual experience. I haven't heard earlier VSM versions nor the MXs. I do know that I continue to be amazed by my MMs, two years in. Yes, they are set up within the range of what is recommended for them (I now use a ss Belles 150A Reference amp and Joule LA-150 pre). But I had them with gear that is not recommended--and my Merlins still sounded great, but not as tonally full and right as they do now. What I am hearing is highly resolved, natural, and smooth, with very good (not floor-shaking) bass weight; their impressive "audiophile" qualities (e.g., soundstage and imaging) are simply part of the overall package. I have no idea whether they are "the best" near or below their price point, particularly since I have no idea what this might mean without regard to one's preferences. Based on my preferences and on professional and user reviews, I bought my MMs sound unheard--and they're going nowhere in the forseeable future.