[eric the red]

Own a pair of Kestrel Hot Rods and love the sound with my ASL tube integrated, but... There are a couple of pair of Shearwater Hot Rods on the 'gon now for a decent price and am wondering if the Shearwaters are more of everything that I like about the Kestrel HRs (easy to listen to/place/power) or if they are have more of a high rez/audiophile sound. It's almost impossible for me to audition the ones for sale in California and I love the Meadowlark fit/finish/look/sound so far.  I do not want to change amps, use a sub, spend more than $1300.00 on a pair of speakers nor look at other brands. Any Kestrel owners who upgraded to Shearwaters out there? Do the Shearwaters have the same magic as the Kestrels? Help?

[jrokke]

I owned a pair of shearwaters for a year. I really liked them, great imaging and great bass. I sold them to a guy who had the kestrels. He was very happy with the upgrade. He thought they did all the good things that the kestrels did but had more slam.
 I have never heard the kestrels so I can't comment but the shearwaters sounded big in my room.
Hope this helps

[dado5]

IMO the Kestrels were the best sounding speakers that Pat made.  The Shearwaters are a step down from my perspective and his 3-ways were not competitive at their prices.

The Kestrel was a very fine speaker and one of the best audio bargains ever.

[eric the red]

IMO the Kestrels were the best sounding speakers that Pat made. 
The Kestrel was a very fine speaker and one of the best audio bargains ever.

That seems to be the general concensus among owners and former owners of Kestrels. The person I bought mine from had two pair and said he would never sell his second pair. I'm kind of shocked every day with how good mine sound so I guess I'm going to pass on the Shearwaters. My Kestrel HRs with my tube integrated and vinyl is all day listening magic plus they fit my smallish room. Thanks for the comments.