What about Meadowlark?

To add to Sedond's write-up, I also like proacs alot, however feel there is a huge difference between the Kestral and the Shearwater. I personally don't like the Kestral and feel the Shearwater compares VERY well to the Proac 2.5s. It must also be noted that the Shearwater uses the VERY SAME drivers as the 2.5s and costs about half as much. Of course this doesn't mean they sound the same (crossovers, cabinet designs etc.) but they sound very similar at least to me. The Shearwater is a very good speaker indeed and can't even be mentioned in the same breath as the Kestral IMHO. If considering the 2.5s I feel the Shearwater is a must audition piece, (might have $2,000 left over for something else) however if is a question of the Kestral, do yourself a favor and listen to Proac tablette sigs, no contest.

I was thinking Shearwater. I have heard both, however it was 2 years ago, and neither was "hot rodded". I remember a very "organic" sounding midrange, with surprising, but not earthshattering bass. Perhaps the paper cone has a nice sound, but I couldn't hepl but think that this, coupled with what I feel to be a dark treble, really made them sound a bit dark, and slightly colored. THe biggest problem I had with them was the HUGE difference in sound across the vertical axis, as in when you walk into a room, or are standing up, versus sweet spot listening. I think with my cables and preamp they would sound rather nice. Unfortunately, you never know untill you throw down the plastic and get them in your home. ANYBODY COMPARED SHEARWATER TO HR SHEARWATER?????