i highly recommend the hotrod version of any of the meadowlark speakers. i'm using the kestrel hotrods in my smallish living room. although the bass does not announce itself very prominently, as a result of the transmission line construction, the low-end extension is astonishing for a 6.5" woofer. you won't get booming bass, but you'll get a great musical sound across the whole range. the bass on the shearwater and heron is even better. from what i've seen, its hard to beat the price and small footprint of the meadowlarks for comparable sound. i'm sure there is better for a lot more money.