Actually the fact that KEF is well known for their research and development capabilities

KEF is great value. I would say that they are not sexy  - subjectively, of course. I'd say a lot of depth/detail, not a lot of warmth. I wonder what's a good pairing to balance it out. 

I like KEF. owned the Ls50 just before they released the Metas. they sound wonderful. 

Maybe my ears would have liked the Reference One’s instead of the Reference 5’s. The 5’s really hurt my ears when listening to saxophone, xylophone and electric guitar at relatively low levels.

 Agree on the ls60s.  
 

I find the question addressed interesting  with findings that ring true to me in general.   But like most any single review, just another  set of data points and opinions to toss in the ring.  Not a bad product in the entire KEF line though these days I would say.  Take your pick….unless it’s something else that happens to turn one on. 
 

Blade 2 meta’s……I could live with those.  Ample evidence out there that these may well set the benchmark in objective performance in many rooms out there …if that is something that happens to ring one’s bell.  Oooh, ahh…