As an update, I ended up returning my LS50 Metas at the end of the 30-day trial period. It turned out that they really needed to be played a bit louder than I usually listen, which is fairly moderate volume levels (max SPL 78 db or so). They sounded a bit dark and lacking bass at that volume. When I turned them up to max SPLs in the mid 80s and beyond, they sounded much fuller and more engaging. My room is approx. 12x15 ft., and I sit about 7 ft from the speakers. They are great speakers, but they just didn't quite work for my particular case.