Speakers for leading edge, transients, speed and big sound

The perception of "slam", for example, has more to do with phase characteristics, not just drivers in a single speaker, but when more than 1 speaker is in a listening space, as would be the case with stereo or multichannel. Its an engineered solution present in a couple of brands inside pro audio...about which most "audiophile" brands have little to no clue ( i.e., the latter would prefer to keep spending up the clueless tree)

Your point about "hifi" bass and what it is / should be about is...

I do agree in principle, but I do like some slam too, and I’m not resigned to the two being mutually exclusive.

listening to Monitor Audio Platinum 200 3G speakers continue to put a smile on my face. Detailed with depth and articulation. Hooked up to Pass, Esoteric and a VPI classic…

I would recommend one of the Vivid Audio speakers.  If you want great leading-edge attack, jump factor and dynamics, but don't want the drawbacks of horns, I'd go for Kaya K90, K45, or Giya G3s2.

https://atc.audio/professional/loudspeakers/scm100asl-pro/
These will leave a mark.  Believe 115 db output.  Transients are immediate.  Best of luck on your quest.

Jay's Audio on Youtube announced this weekend that Von Schweikert speakers are comparable to Sonus Faber and Magico if they had a baby, high resolution, huge dynamics, huge soundstage and musicality.  Even the new VR 30 speaker with a pair of 10" VS subs can fill a large room or balance a small room with the adjustable (not in DSP/digital domain) subs permitting easy speaker placement and fundamentals to shake your room.