How does this make sense, any sense? Any sense at all??

FWIW the kef ls50s sound is similar to me to the other Stereophile Class A small monitors they replaced, Triangle Titus, so at least they are consistent in this case with what they consider to sound good.
I do think however that though similar the KEFs are noticeably better at least with my gear.  The Triangles however are much better suited for use with tube amps. 

I feel this way about the JBL L100 Classic. They cost 5 grand less than my Harbeth's but they make me twice as happy. They do well with ALL music, unlike their predecessors.  

The ls50 is bettered by the inexpensive $449 Wharfedale 225’s....especially in the bass department. I now have Tamnoy legacy Eaton’s, but I will never ever part with my wharfedales....they are special speakers that are mind bogglingly good at what they are able to achieve at the price. Three Stereophile reviewers agree, and they won budget component of the year for a reason. 

I try to post questions that will not only incite a few very different points of views ( we are a wild bund, after all ), but also some playful banter.  Having fun while learning is what it's all about, right?

The "Big Room" thing always mystifies me...where are the Big Room people listening? 50 feet away from the speakers? My listening space is relatively large but I sit 8 or 9 feet from the speakers because that's where they sound best for me...not 30 feet away (which I could do I suppose)...my 2 little subs can rock the walls I guess but they aren't required to, and unless a room is full of inebriated dancers who cares? I can wheel out the pro stuff for that (and have for house concerts). If I want "big room" sound I get it from the concerts I mix for hundreds of people using thousands of PA watts for clarity with actual musicians (pre corona of course). In Goodwins "large room" listening area you aren't standing 100 feet away from the Magicos, nor should you.