There is no one best speaker, or one best speaker within a price range. There are speakers which are among the best or among the best within their price range, but each one has its own distinct characteristics. That is why it is essential to audition as many speakers as you can, and let your ears decide which one you find best suits you.

I'll X2 on the Merlin Music Systems loudspeakers. Bobby only makes two systems, both recognized as reference in their respective price points (and well beyond). Either the VSM-MXe or the TSM-MXe are exemplary performers, created by a musician and fine-tuned over many years, rather than new models created every year. Bobby provides his customer's with upgrade paths, which I have taken advantage of on a couple of occasions. The upgrades are just a few more dollars, and can be performed at the factory as they become available. These are very high resolution transducers and seem to only be limited by the source and amplification.

Had panel's (planar) and they can be great with the right components and room treatment. The same SQ can be experienced in either box or panels, in my experience, with the box being more flexible with regards to placement options. The original Quads were great, with a head-vice.

All the disadvantages of loudspeakers are largely mitigated by a properly designed room. A friend of mine has a Rive's Audio designed media room, multiple sub-woofers, etc. It's like wearing the finest headphone/IEM, with all the details. Just carrying on a conversation in a properly designed room is a revelation.