I was hoping to hear some feedback before mine arrived, but..to late, they just got here. White finish, looks really great. Can't tell you how excited I am to receive these speakers. I've listened to the original LS50's actives at a best buy and really enjoyed them. First impressions, using an emo G3, plays very well below 85 db in fact probably best bookshelf I've heard until you turn it up. Can not play below 70hz-ish above 90bd without distortion, (90db at 6 feet away). Maybe I got broken speakers. Will be returning, very disappointed. I haven't taken measurements with REW but I feel like its waste of time at this point, because they're $1,500 per pair and sound horrible when you turn them up.
Long time owner of the original passive LS50's here, since 2013. You obviously have a broken pair from the sounds of it.
I've had mine set-up with, and without a sub, and playing above 90dB has never, ever been a problem and without any break-up whatsoever. Obviously a sub or two, even better, will help with the low end and soundstage.
I currently have them hooked-up to a Yammy RX-A2040 AVR with a single Velodyne 8" sub in a 20'x20' room with a vaulted ceiling and previously to a Yammy RX-A3000 AVR with two SVS SB-2000 subs in a 14'x14' room and like I said, no issues whatsoever.
Hands down the best set of bookshelves I've ever owned and from the various demo's at B&M shops, when I was shopping for a pair of bookshelves, they sounded better than some bookshelves at twice the price at that time. This was verified by the missus, and brought them to my attention when shopping, who some have remarked has 'golden ears', meaning she didn't abuse them by going to a lot of loud rock concerts in her youth, like myself. She prefers classical music.
I'd seriously consider having them replaced and give the new Meta's a chance, from all the written & video reviews I've read and seen.
