Proac vs. Meadowlark

RG is on target with his assessment. I gave my ProAcs (1SC) up due to fatigue. They are great but they also became bright sounding. I also found the 1 SC better than the 1.5 and 2.5 both were bass heavy to me and did not have that ProAc magic. (And the controversy begins.) Do not get me wrong because the 1 SC are one of my favorites.

I switched over to Penaudio from Finland. More expensive but worth it. Imaging ++++. Detail and accurate and musical!!! These are one of the best new speakers to hit the market. Silverline has several models to listen to. But since we are making alternative suggestions, you can also listen to Legend.

Isn't this what it's all about? Opinions and Options. KT 88 call me if you want to go over other options.

Rg,

You bring up a interesting point about the Proac. Maybe a bit more in the mids, but I don't want to get a sub. Besides, the 1SC does retail for $500 dollars more than the Kestrel, it should be a bit better :) But I think I will focus on the Meadowlark Shearwater used. In fact I started a want add for a pair, in case anyone has a pair that is reading this thread?

After saying all that. I will admit I would gladly listen to the 1SC if I could find someone near me that had a pair close to me.

Cellorver, you sound like your loaded with info! Maybe if I can't get a good deal on the Shearwater's I send you a private e-mail!

thanks!

yes Cellorover, the controversy begins…actually, no, we’re kinda from the same camp :) As good at the 1SC is, I could understand falling out of love with this speaker without a sub. And I have heard comments that the 1SC is better than other speakers up the Response line. What I found, and I had the 1SC, 1.5 and 2.5 all at the same time, was that room and equipment had a lot to do with getting the best from these. In a nutshell, the 1SC does do better than the 2.5 in my smaller room on average equipment. But put in a larger space, on better equipment, there really is no comparison. It’s just my opinion, but I would go so far as to say the 2.5 is one of the finest two way speaker systems ever built. They do, however, require a fairly decent commitment in ancillary equipment – otherwise they just wont show their capability. Your comment about the bass I also understand. Some people (including myself), hear too much at times. But this speaker is just too good in so many other ways to abandon it for something that can be easily worked around (traps or placement or choice of music). ProAcs are not perfect, but they are non compromising, and what they do well, they do well magically. BTW, I found the 1.5 to be outrageous on vocals, but like the bookshelf, it ultimately needed a sub. Because the 1SC is better on the top end, you might as well have that with the sub. It was no surprise to me that ProAc changed this model to address a lean bottom end. As a former close to full retail payer of new Meadowlark speakers, I have only appreciation for their stuff, and never once had any purchase regrets. But I must say that no Meadowlarks that I’ve ever listened to sound as good as the 1SC’s properly subbed. Of course you’re looking at around $2200 used (speakers, sub, and don’t forget the stands). With the price of used Kestrels and Sheerwaters being what they are, I can fully understand that buying a pair of these is somewhat of a no brainer.

Hey!

ProAc and Meadowlark are two of my favorite brands. Comparing the two is always interesting. It is a great case of how different is not necessarily better. Just different and good in their own ways.

Anyway, it's Sunday night so let's have some fun and muddy the water a little before Monday morning. Please excuse me, but I am horrible with names. KT 88, look for an older pair of ProAc Signature 50s (retailed around 1700 new). Not Tablets. It may also be Reference 50s. They laid the foundation for the 1 SCs. They did a lot of things better, were warmer and had more body. Surprising speaker.

Penaudio solved the problem of subwoofer and stands. While they have a powered subwoofer line, they are introducing an interesting new line of passive woofers. Maybe a pair of those with the ProAcs? Mine (woofers)are on the way.

KT 88 if you need some help finding some Shearwaters send me an e-mail.

Have a good week everyone!

Forget them both and check out the soliloquy's... Any one second my motion???