I owned the SJ502a some time ago. Listened to a pair of Kestrals with it at an audio store. Sounded bloated in the bass. I couldn't tell you anymore of the other componentry, so that could have been a factor, or even the sound room. Still, I believe that tube amplification is best for Meadowlark speakers. High efficiency, stable impedance, and first order cross-overs make these speakers a dream match for tubes. Meadowlarks also have excellent soundstaging characteristics that cannot be realized with a budget ss amp. Antique Sound Labs is making excellent tube amplifiers (both integrated and power) very inexpensively. They currently have one integrated model retailing for around $550. Stewart Marcantoni of Weekend Environments carries the line. He is an part of the Audiogon Dealer network. Nice guy, and can probably give you a good deal on it as well.
