Let me put in a plug for as much Meadowlark as you can find for the budget. I own the Kestrel HotRods - bought them here for $625 when I downsized to reallocate to my home theater rig.
Time-aligned drivers, first order crossovers, and transmission line bass make for lows that bely their size, a laid back attitude and a big sound stage. Very natural, very musical and probably warm to some ears.
Broad dispersion tweeters make placement simple but they do want to be a bit off the wall. Cabinets are very rigid and the crossovers are housed in their own "compartment" underneath the main enclosure.
The HotRod versions have upgraded binding posts, crossovers, insulation, Kimber wiring and other goodies depending on where in the pantheon they lived..
Finish is adequate to very good depending on the vintage.
Easy to drive - 89db according to the specs, maybe better when compared to other "89s" I've owned. Supposed to love tubes but they seem happy enough with my NuForce integrated.
So you know, Meadowlark started in California then moved to New York. A few years ago they went out of business - but you will find a ton of reviews online - they were a big favorite with reviewers.
Can't tell you how pleased I am.
Time-aligned drivers, first order crossovers, and transmission line bass make for lows that bely their size, a laid back attitude and a big sound stage. Very natural, very musical and probably warm to some ears.
Broad dispersion tweeters make placement simple but they do want to be a bit off the wall. Cabinets are very rigid and the crossovers are housed in their own "compartment" underneath the main enclosure.
The HotRod versions have upgraded binding posts, crossovers, insulation, Kimber wiring and other goodies depending on where in the pantheon they lived..
Finish is adequate to very good depending on the vintage.
Easy to drive - 89db according to the specs, maybe better when compared to other "89s" I've owned. Supposed to love tubes but they seem happy enough with my NuForce integrated.
So you know, Meadowlark started in California then moved to New York. A few years ago they went out of business - but you will find a ton of reviews online - they were a big favorite with reviewers.
Can't tell you how pleased I am.