$500 is not enough for a high end 3-way if you factor in the cost of active processing. But if I had to go 3-way with passive crossover, I'd consider JL Audio C5-653.
$500 is a great budget for a high end 2-way. HAT Clarus, Focal V30, etc. This would have been my preference.
If you have a processor, then you can indeed afford to buy some raw drivers that promise very performance in 3-way setup.
Without a good processor, I personally wouldn't have bothered with 3-way. There exist 2-way speakers (e.g. HAT Clarus), with great midbass performance, midrange fidelity, and imaging that will rival budget 3-way components.
There do exist some DIY drivers that could work well for 3-way system, but only if you can supply an active crossover. If you can go active with a capable processor, one good option is Peerless SLS midbass, plus a Dayton RS125 midrange plus a tweeter of your choice. Peerless SLS is a popular budget midbass speaker with good performance. Dayton's midranges are decent, though I have heard RS125 is better than RS100.
$500 is a great budget for a high end 2-way. HAT Clarus, Focal V30, etc. This would have been my preference.
If you have a processor, then you can indeed afford to buy some raw drivers that promise very performance in 3-way setup.
Without a good processor, I personally wouldn't have bothered with 3-way. There exist 2-way speakers (e.g. HAT Clarus), with great midbass performance, midrange fidelity, and imaging that will rival budget 3-way components.
There do exist some DIY drivers that could work well for 3-way system, but only if you can supply an active crossover. If you can go active with a capable processor, one good option is Peerless SLS midbass, plus a Dayton RS125 midrange plus a tweeter of your choice. Peerless SLS is a popular budget midbass speaker with good performance. Dayton's midranges are decent, though I have heard RS125 is better than RS100.
