What does "clear without warmth" really mean? And is it a legitimate critisism of the L1 sound?

First of all, whether it is a true analysis of the L1 sound depends on how the system is set-up, or EQed, but also on what your ears are accustumed to hearing... and what they MUST hear to be satisfied with the sound. There is much EQing that can be done with the many L1 presets..... BUT... there might be something missing, IMO, again, depending on what you need to hear.

The "without warmth" is the lack of lower-mids inherent with the L1. You may not agree, or even notice it, unless you do what I did.

I've used the L1 routinely for all sized venues for almost 2 years. Both my listeners and I have been very favorably impressed with the sound (and no lack of warmth).

About 6 months ago I decided to set up both the L1 and my Barbetta SE-32 in stereo for a medium sized (~250) dance venue. The Barbetta has a 15" speaker and has very good full range sound, especially strong in the lower mid range. It complimented the L1 sound beyond my expectations.

Only NOW, when I use the L1 by itself, am I aware of a somewhat "without warmth", and only because I've heard the difference. Still a great high-fidelity sound, IMO, that I would not want to be without. But balancing it with a good powered speaker like the Barbetta gives you a more powerful full-ranged sound, with nothing missing.

Glenn