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Meadowlark speakers

I'm looking for a good value in a low priced floorstander. I've seen excellent reviews of the whole Meadowlark line, which has recently gone out of production. I'm thinking of the Kestrel Hotrod or Kestrel 2. Anyone have an opinion regarding which model is best?

On this site there are several that have been available for sale for quite a while. Is there something wrong with Meadowlarks that they have gone out of production and that the models listed on Audiogon are'nt selling?

On a more obscure note, I read that the port in transmission line speakers is not responsible for much bass output. Does that mean that the rear ported Kestrel can be placed closer to the rear wall than other ported models?

Thanks for the help,
Peter Ennis
peterennis1
tobias
1,534 posts
 
I have Shearwater Hot Rods and love 'em, but I haven't owned a Kestrel or Kestrel 2. Obviously Meadowlark being out of business means you can't get factory service any more. That may have a small impact on used prices. However AFAIK all Meadowlark parts except the cabinets are off-the-shelf, and still available.

My Shearwaters seem to like being out into the room a bit, 3 feet or so from the short wall of my 13' x 22' room.

Meadowlark's bankruptcy had to do with market factors, not with anything wrong in the speakers, from what I've been told. I hope to see the McGintys back again.
jaybo
4,478 posts
 
the meadowlark line is a tube friendly transmition line design that has a sweet midrange. though they don't have the rock solid bass of pmc or fried, they dont need big power to drive them. the fact they are out of business is not because they are an unworthy product. they were victims of extreme growth (which often results in poor cashflow). they are very well made, and are compatible with most quality ss gear too. lots of good buys now
sfar's avatar
sfar
1,773 posts
 

I have experience only with the original Kestrel but compared to other speakers I've owned or listened to in that price range I can recommend them very highly. They seem to do well with every kind of music and not be that critical about placement. At the prices they're now going for they are a real bargain.
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