New Swifts vs. used Kestrel Hot Rods

Funny, I find myself in the exact same position trying to decide between these two Meadowlarks. listen@energytrip: your comment about the Swift needing to "fit the music collection" intrigued me. Could you elaborate a little? I listen to a lot of jazz ('45-'65 mostly, which often lacks something in recording finesse), as well as classical. If I interpret your post right, this would give the edge to the Swift?

As a Swift owner, I would like to add that this speaker can do all types of music, especially jazz. It is not hollow and with correct placement the mid to low bass fills the room, is very satisfying and one of the speakers strong points. Don't listen to people who haven't spent time with this speaker in their own environment. Also it has to have close to 100 hrs break in and then it really starts to open up, sounding better and better with each listening session. What it does for its size and cost is incredible.

Contrary to current designer trends...I am not a big fan of very small drivers...often 5" or smaller...in a floorstanding configuration(such as the Swifts)...the same could be said for monitors...you cant overcome physics...they simply dont move enough air to generate lower frequencies...and regardless of design...be it bass reflex,t-lines,etc...you can only squeeze so much out of a small driver...the trade-offs are improved imaging,soundstaging,etc...due to a smaller or slimmer enclosure...and that is true...maybe Im being a little to critical of a 1k speaker...but 1k to me will always be alot of money...and I hate to pick on Meadowlark...they are a very good company making excellent products...and back to the original poster's question...I would still side with used Kestrals...or as mentioned...used Vandersteen 1cs which incorporate an 8" driver in a boxless design

Absolutly true Phasecorrect, you can only expect so much from a 5" driver but then again, no speaker is perfect and the law of diminishing returns comes into play. It's just where you make the cut off point for your personal needs.
Indeed the Kestral is fine and so is the Vandy. I wish I had them all! Good thread.

A few posts ago I was in the process of deciding and, having decided, here's my input. I ended up getting the Kestrel Hot Rods over the Swifts and I am quite happy with them so far. To me they just sound more "complete." Certainly enough bass for me from that little driver, though I am in a small room. The upper end detail is beautiful, cymbals ring and linger but don't draw attention to themselves. Mids do blend together some, but I kind of like that frankly. I should mention as a matter of taste that I prefer overall musicality to detail. Though jazz has my heart, I listen to just about everything under the sun and these speakers seem to handle the range well.