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Best Full Range Speaker, 750- 1k

I am in the process of rebuilding my system, and wanted to tap the Audiogon community's opinions on the best full range speaker in the $750-$1,000 used price range. Right now, the front-runner on my list is the Meadowlark Kestrel Hot Rod. Other speakers I've heard good things about are the Thiel 1.5, PSB Stratus series, and Vandersteen's.

The associated equipment will be a Belles 150A Hot Rod amp, a Rogue 66 pre, and a Sony DV-9000ES CD/SACD/DVD player. I value musicality and an engaging sound above clinical detail, precision and transparency. I listen primarily to classical (chamber and symphonic, some choral), small scale jazz, and female vocals.

I'd appreciate all your comments on the Meadowlark's, how they compare to some of the other speakers I've mentioned, as well as any other recommendations in this price range. Thanks in advance!

Eric
ewha
tweekerman
473 posts
 
I've heard some of the above ...go Thiel
ux4
3 posts
 
a pair of used Carver AL-III's is probably the best that you will find. I have owned mine for nine years. Listened to a pair of 803's yesterday at a shop. I have no envy for 803 owners. 803's run about $5000. I have not tried the 803's in my system.

24hz-20000khz 4ohm 500watt c/ch
ewha OP
80 posts
 
Thanks for all the suggestions, folks. Unsound, you are correct, I should probably have used the term "floorstander" instead of "full range."

I have never actually heard the Thiel's, but am seriously considering doing some auditioning now. Is the general consensus that they outperform the Meadowlark's?

Although I was originally hoping to stay away from monitors, I'm also really intrigued by the Green Mountain suggestion. Anyone actually heard these or compared them to any other speakers?

Keep the suggestions coming! And thanks again!

-Eric
flying
13 posts
 
There is no question that you should try to stretch up 250dollars and go for the Vandersteen 2CE. It is got much more bass extension than any other speaker in this price point. It would also be on the forgiving side of things.

good luck.
unsound
7,313 posts
 
Flying, while I agree the Vandersteens would be more on the forgiving side of things, I disagree that they have more bass extension than Thiel 3.5's. Eric, the Meadowlark and Thiels (and others including the recommended Vandersteens) share some similar design principles differing mostly in cabinet design/bass out-put. Finding a general consensus may be quite challenging You'll have to decide for yourself which you prefer. Now that you have clarified full range to mean floor standing, there are many other quality options.
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