KEF ls50 meta’s are on the way

 Can you please provide a link in the Stereophile review where they measure the difference in distortion between the old and new versions?

I never mentioned anything about distortion. They did compare the ls50 and the meta and the graph shows the response is pretty much identical. 

The new Meta has a significantly smoother response.

Its not significant. Its only a couple db at most. You could easily do that with an EQ and it would cost you far less than buying a meta. 

It is virtually a given you have not heard the Meta and I suspect not the original either.

I briefly heard the ls50 and they had no bass. Also the sound quality changed too much when I moved my head up or down. The metas will be no different in these respects

I never mentioned anything about distortion. They did compare the ls50 and the meta and the graph shows the response is pretty much identical.

Its not significant. Its only a couple db at most. You could easily do that with an EQ and it would cost you far less than buying a meta. 

I will stick with my original conclusion that you don't know how to read a response graph for a speaker. The new LS50 Meta is much smoother, There are far fewer evidences of resonances in the new LS50 Meta.

I never mentioned anything about distortion.

That is not something to be proud of. The new LS50 Meta has a very smooth response. One should be quite curious about distortion ... which you did inadvertently mention when you said "noise". That is a guess from your part having never heard it.

I briefly heard the ls50 and they had no bass. Also the sound quality changed too much when I moved my head up or down. The metas will be no different in these respects

One would not expect them to have much bass. In the vast majority of listening room, probably >95%, deep bass would be better served by well placed (for bass) subwoofers.

As this graph shows, the LS50 Meta, changes very little over the typically very small vertical listening window most people use:  https://www.stereophile.com/images/1220KEF50fig06.jpg    This would be superior to most speakers with the exception of planar arrays and electrostats which can have their own issues. You are clearly making up an issue that does not actually exist.  The coaxial tweeter ameliorates response anomalies that can occur from vertical angle change.

I’m listening to various random tracks on the Metas.
The adjective that comes to mind to describe the sound overall is “composed”. Everything sounds quite dynamic yet refined and controlled. No slop. The music just flows. Making me stay on my seat listening and not want to stop. That means these have passed the test with flying colors. I think most anyone who hears these would have to like them and have trouble finding a fault. Just add that sub and you got it all pretty much.
Some flamenco solo guitar currently by Pepe Romero. Lovely detail. You can hear each string resonate clearly and with lifelike ambience. The improved dispersion on these newer Meta’s no doubt helps contribute to that.  No artificial shimmer. 

Now some 70s funk “walk-in the line” by Brass Construction (digitized from original vinyl). Nice and punchy. Everything is sorted out and presented nicely.

Next live Dream Weaver by Ringo’s All Star Band. Live. The room is filled with sound. You can hear some individuals in the audience as part of the cheers after.

Just had to add that “Sex God” from Liquid Soul’s exquisite “One-two Punch” album on Telarc label is pure ecstasy.   Highly recommended!

I got mine yesterday and I'm loving them.

I had the original LS50s paired with a couple of small REL subs and found it quite nice, but decided to splurge and buy myself a pair of Metas for Christmas and made the switch to the Metas yesterday afternoon.

"Composed" is a good word, they just seem to do things right.  Beyond that I'd say words like holographic, musical, and smooth would apply.  It's much more of a "right here in the room" type of experience than the original LS50s.  And this is right out of the box, not sure if they will improve with break in, but I'm completely satisfied as is.

Listened to the remastered Tom Petty Wildflowers that someone suggested further up in the thread and it was great.  Currently marveling at the way Norah Jones voice is filling up the room.

Two thumbs up.