Are the KEF Blade/Blade 2 Metas a Significant Upgrade from Blade?

I spoke with a KEF Blade and KRELL amp dealer today on the East Coast.  The dealer loves the KEF Blade and knows it very well. We had a superb conversation about amps for the Blades. One of the most knowledgeable dealers I have ever spoken with. 

He said that in his experience the Blade Meta is a bit more detailed, a bit faster sounding, and tighter bass than the older Blade.  However, he has an older Blade that they have in the shop and he wants to keep that for himself. He said that the changes on the old Blade to new Blade Meta are not that big. He did say the changes from old LS50 to the new LS50 Meta are much bigger sonically. 

In terms, of amps he loves the new KRELL XD amps on them. the DUO 300XD  model and up (unfortunately I have the lower power DUO 175XD). He also said the CODA #16 is great with the Blade (does not sell CODA). 

Finally got the time to get the new display in my meridian’s, the dsp8k with the se upgrade is pretty special. I’ve been going back and forth with the blades. I love these first world problems. Can’t keep both so it’ll depend on the market and which I can sell, they’re both amazing 

yyzsantabarbara:

I think both the Krell and Coda are great choices for KEF Reference and Blade models. I love my Coda 16.0/ Blade 2 setup.  I find it interesting that the dealer would not sell the original Blade at a discount and order a Blade Meta for himself.(Considering dealer cost is usually 50-55% MSRP on loudspeakers). Perhaps there was some attribute of the original Blade that appealed to him. 

@audiobrian He did say that he sometimes likes the old Blade more. I forgot the reason for that but I do know that the changes in the new Blade are right up my alley. Not that I have an issue with the old Blade.

The dealer confirmed to me that my KRELL DUO 175XD is really not powerful enough for the Blade. As did the old COO of KRELL. So I am putting up my 175XD up for sale tonight. 

I wouldn't count out the Krell without trying it. I think the Michi would be sonically inferior to your Krell and the blades are surprisingly efficient, specifically with most full range speakers if my amp isn't strong enough I hear it as a lack of balance in the bass, not so with the blades.