Meadowlark Kestrel2 -- Wow!

cyounkman · « **Reply #20 on:** 6 Jul 2003, 03:37 pm »

Quote from: JohnR

Linus who?

Linus Torvalds is the 'inventor' of Linux; the quintessential open-source guru.

Here's a picture: he looks like a young Finnish Gates.

Hantra · « **Reply #21 on:** 6 Jul 2003, 04:21 pm »

Quote

Your description of sounding like "real music" is kind of comical to me -- isn't that what we're all looking for?

Not exactly. I'd be willing to bet that less than half of audiophiles even know what real music sounds like. There are many who like for their systems to sound like good hi-fi, and not like real music.

B

nathanm · « **Reply #22 on:** 6 Jul 2003, 06:14 pm »

I think "real performance" is more accurate, rather than "real music". Real music can be heard over a clock radio if you wish. Might sound bad, but it's still 'real music".

Byteme: Where is this dealer you speak of?

byteme · « **Reply #23 on:** 6 Jul 2003, 06:22 pm »

Quote from: nathanm

Byteme: Where is this dealer you speak of?

They have a dealer in Appleton, however I can't find the email they sent with the info. I'll see if I can dig it up.

Tyson · « **Reply #24 on:** 6 Jul 2003, 06:31 pm »

I have to say that the meadowlark speakers I've heard in the past are all excellent. They don't seek to "impress" with all the "audiophile" trappings, but just play music as well or better than most speakers I've heard.

JohnR · « **Reply #25 on:** 7 Jul 2003, 02:22 am »

Quote from: cyounkman

Quote from: JohnR
Linus who?

Linus Torvalds is the 'inventor' of Linux; the quintessential open-source guru.

I know. That was a joke

KevinW · « **Reply #26 on:** 7 Jul 2003, 05:12 pm »

Quote from: Hantra

Quote
Your description of sounding like "real music" is kind of comical to me -- isn't that what we're all looking for?

Not exactly. I'd be willing to bet that less than half of audiophiles even know what real music sounds like. There are many who like for their systems to sound like good hi-fi, and not like real music.

B

Hahaha... that's because so-called "real music" sounds like crap most of the time. Clubs where most live music is played so rarely have the technical sound expertise, the proper room without bad resonance, or the desire to have good quality sound. Outside of the orchestral halls, it is almost impossible to find good imaging at live show, unless the music is entirely acoustic and outdoors. So if you want to listen to "real" music, it is most likely going to be found on your hifi system. I have at least one friend who refuses to go to live shows because the sound is always so dreadful.

On the other hand, there are plenty of good reasons to go see live music, regardless of the sound quality. Seeing the musicians performing in person is a rare treat, especially when there is an exchange of energy between the musicians and the crowd. I just saw Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra play last week, and the dynamics between band and crowd was completely over the top. It was a very inspiring show... both mentally and physically. Now THAT is what live music is all about.

Regarding Meadowlark speakers... they are designed using transmission lines, which give very good bass and bass rolloff, have first order XO's that do not cause a phase shift, and are acoustically time aligned. This is why they sound so natural. The ear-brain is extremely sensitive to any phase shifts in music, and even though this sensitivity is hard to quantify, it does exist as a "feeling" when listening to the speakers. The only problem with Meadowlark's low-end speakers is that the drivers used are mediocre at best, so while they sound very natural, they are not incredible. But I'm not damning them for using cheap drivers, because they have to make money too, and they have more expensive speakers in their lineup. But it does show that the drivers themselves are not as important as the XO and other design factors in a speaker.

byteme · « **Reply #27 on:** 7 Jul 2003, 07:08 pm »

Quote from: KevinW

The only problem with Meadowlark's low-end speakers is that the drivers used are mediocre at best, so while they sound very natural, they are not incredible. But I'm not damning them for using cheap drivers, because they have to make money too, and they have more expensive speakers in their lineup....

Can I assume you're lumping the Kestral2's in as "low-end" or are you referring exclusively to the Swift? I'm sure we'd all love a pair of the Osprey's but at twice the price of the Kestral that's a whole 'nother league we're talking about isn't it now? And for the price of the Heron's I'd certainly hope there is no room for improvement.

Driver wise, is the Osprey equivalent to the older Shearwater? And it looks like the tweeter in the new Kestrel2 is the same one used in the new Polk LSi line, is this correct?

stealth · « **Reply #28 on:** 7 Jul 2003, 09:48 pm »

Quote

Driver wise, is the Osprey equivalent to the older Shearwater?

The Osprey uses the SS 95000, SS 18W8545, and a custom vifa mid, which is used to keep the woofer and tweeter in their ideal operating ranges. According to Pat McGinty.

jackman · « **Reply #29 on:** 7 Jul 2003, 10:20 pm »

Bytme,
I know that store in Appleton you are talking about but can't remember the name. They have lots of really cool stuff upstairs in their high end room. They carry Martin Logan, Audio Physic, Talon, ProAc, B&W, and lots of cool stuff. The bald guy Neil is very helpful. I used to go there all the time when I visited a customer in Appleton. Can't remember the name...

Jman

KeithR · « **Reply #30 on:** 7 Jul 2003, 10:40 pm »

I used to be pretty unimpressed with Meadowlark, as they weren't very exciting to listen too. Also, the driver could be seen rattling around in the cabinet, which wasn't too good imho. Now with the new cabinetry, they seem to be on track. Definitely need to hear sometime...

byteme · « **Reply #31 on:** 8 Jul 2003, 04:05 am »

Quote from: jackman

Bytme,
I know that store in Appleton you are talking about but can't remember the name. They have lots of really cool stuff upstairs in their high end room. They carry Martin Logan, Audio Physic, Talon, ProAc, B&W, and lots of cool stuff. The bald guy Neil is very helpful. I used to go there all the time when I visited a customer in Appleton. Can't remember the name...

Jman

Jman, According to the Meadowlark folks it was Sound World in Appleton. Unfortunately, for me anyway, Meadowlark hasn't dealt with Sound world in quite a while and apparently no longer carries their speakers. So the next closest dealer is Minneapolis or Hoffman Estates. Yikes - Minneapolis is 6 hours and Hoffman Estates is at least 2. Damn.