JMLab Mini Utopia or Meadowlark Blue Herons

I have heard almost the entire Meadowlark and JM Lab Utopia line. Here are my thoughts. In the Meadowlark line, I like the Kestrals (for the money), Blue Herons, and the Nightingales. The flavor of the Utopia line is more consistent. With that said, I would choose the Blue Herons over the Utopia's. While the Utopia may hold the edge in bass depth and dynamics down low, the Blue Herons have the best tweeter I have ever hear. The top end is simply glorious and the midrange isnt too far behind. I am a big fan of the Audax aerogel midrange. Also, the BH's cast a soundstage that is unbelievable. To me the Blue Heron is a giant killer, but YMMV. While I dont own the BH's I could easily live with them forever. Try to contact Goldman Audio in CT. Jonathan is one of the nicest dealers I have ever done business with and he also happens to be a Meadowlark dealer.

I had the opportunity to hear the JM Lab mini and the Meadowlark Shearwater-Hot Rod side by side.

IMHO, there was no comparison. The mini's excelled by a huge margin in every respect. However, I have not heard the Blue Herons.

Best of luck,

I have not heard the Meadowlarks, but I don't think you could go wrong with the Mini Utes. JM labs has some of the fastest most dynamic drivers at somewhat resonable prices.

Good Luck

i would rather have the mini utopias than even the huge meadowlarks. i think the minis are way beyond the others you mentioned. i am sure that the owners of meadowlarks will now raise cane and say i am deaf, but that is my opinion. i think you will find you probaly will not need a sub either. the minis have great bass for a bookshelf. good luck and keep us informed.