I must second the GR Research suggestion. I have a pair of XLS Encore from GR that are my cheapest speaker set (out of 3 total) and the best sounding of all.
I am NOT a woodworker, so I had them pre-built for me with the upgraded Xover components. WOW! Such clean, clear sound with surprising bass.
Worth a look and you don’t have to build them if you don’t want to.
No frills speaker manufacturers
What are some speaker companies that put all or most of their build budget into parts and design function and none or hardly none into aesthetic? If there was no wife acceptance factor and you didn't give a hoot about how they look what speakers would you buy?