2. speakers
  3. 1042949373

Kestrals: Good intro into two-ways?

There's been a lot of talk on A'gon about the benefits (and problems) of two-way speakers, especially with first order crossovers. I'd like to hear for myself but short in-store demos don't do it for me. Used Meadowlark Kestrals are reasonably priced and well liked. Would they be a good intro into the world of two-way speakers? If I like them, would I also like Merlin, ProAc Response, etc?

I listen to rock with occasional jazz, blues and vocals. My room is 14' x 20', vaulted ceiling. My system is entry-level hi-fi (Anthem,Arcam,MF,Audioquest,Harm.Tech.) with no apparent sonic problems.
pmi_guy

Showing 2 responses by phasecorrect

phasecorrect's avatar
phasecorrect
2,013 posts
 
The orginal Kestrals were a great buy in their day...and even a better used value today...usually around $700...and I feel they outperform the new Swifts by a wide margin...especially in the bass department...also...Vandersteen 1cs or 2ces are time honoured phase correct designs...they dont play loud...and probably not the best for rock..but for jazz,blues, and especially for vocals(which are very 3-D)...they would be perfect...1cs around $500used..2s around $700...boxless design...hence a very open,deep soundstage...
phasecorrect's avatar
phasecorrect
2,013 posts
 
I used to own the SPica tc-50s...and during their day they were a good speaker...and in terms of imaging and transparency...still highly regarded...however...they have no bass,little dynamics,and poor detail resolution compared to modern designs...their sound is cold and dark...since they are very forgiving...they would work well if you have older, rougher jazz or blues recordings ...especially vinyl...for a 2nd system they might work...

I also like the Maggie 1.6s...however...as with most planar designs...they do lack some "body" in the midrange...and can a bit thin with amplified music...on acoustics,strings,and vocals they really shine...
More to discover