Thiel 2.3 VS Meadowlark Shearwater HR

I've done some follow-up on this and it looks like my amplification equipment (Marantz reference series) integrated amplifier is likely to be just barely at or below the minimum power range for the Thiel speakers, despite its being considered a "high current" amplifier. Rating of 100 watts into 4 ohm load. The Marantz can be "bridged" with by purchasing another Marantz amp for 200 watts mono thus adding still additional cost to go with the Thiel speakers. Thanks for the prior follow up! The question now to consider is the gain in the performance with the Thiel worth the additional cost of the speakers plus a second amplifier or replacing the amplifier entirely with another.
This possibility opens up even more choices.

Outstanding post Mezmo. Very informative.

I listened to both and felt Thiel 2.3's were clearly the clear winner. They were also built better, the Meadowlarks had sloppy workmanship on the grill cover-this was true on several models and 2 different dealers. Thiels were more detailed/accurate, but I would recommend a tube power supply as some people feel they are too detailed/accurate and non forgiving. Overall they appeared to me to give the best rendition of the source.

Audio_sm - I'd be very hesitant to try to drive the Thiels from a Marantz receiver, regardless of the ratings. I have no hands on experience with the Thiels, but they universally are said to need power / current. My experience with larger Dynaudios, which also like power and current, is that you don't even come close to the full potential until you feed them right. I was driving them with 100 w/ch Krell KAV-series and then went to the 250 w/ch two-channel amp. Even though I rarely listen above modest levels, the speakers REALLY opened up. I believe you'll find the same thing with the Thiels.

If you like the Thiels sound, there's no doubt in my mind that they're worth the extra money if you can do the amplification properly - it's a whole different level. Don't take my comments wrong, though - everyone has budget concerns, so the fact that the Thiels are more demanding upstream doesn't mean that you won't enjoy them even if you can't do it all at once. I'm just saying that, if you buy them, you need an ongoing plan to improve upstream, especially the amplification. -Kirk

Audio Artistry Dvorak here on the A-goN for 2+K, add few more amps, and no speaker will come even close! Guaranteed!