New Swifts vs. used Kestrel Hot Rods

I have heard them against Kestrel, not the hot rod. I offer the following. The Swift is more accurate and faster than the Kestrel. Midrange is sweeter and the high-end maybe more open (I am allowing for my room here). It does not have the softening and rounding out in the bass that the Kestrel has. Kestrel may have a bit more room fill but this is at the expense of accuracy, openess and tonal balance. Overall, the Swift will out perform it. With the Mac amp, Swift will just sing.

Respone #2: There was a thread in 8-26 about Meadowlark. Good feedback on the hot rods. Sound like it will be up to your ears, room and space. Swifts are front ported so you have more placement options. Good luck.

Both speakers are approx 36 inches tall and reasonable size for bedroom installation. But the comparison might be more interesting if you were to consider Gershman "Cameleons" instead of the Kestrels. The "Cameleon" are 48 inches high but only have a 10"X10" footprint. They are also about the same money "new" as the Kestrels, approx $1800. Though, the Swifts may be very hard to beat for the money especially in a small to medium size room. All in all, the Gershman may be a better speaker but for your needs are they worth the extra money. Good Luck!! SJ

Auditioned the Kestrals, bought the Swifts. Incredible range, dynamics and soundstage. Using with a Bryston B-60 integrated and Rotel RCD-961 CD player. Kimber Hero interconnects and 4TC speaker wire. Excellent bang for the buck!!! Highly recommended.

I would have to disagree...Go Kestrals...they have much more bass than the Swifts...and overall offer a fuller midrange presentation...the swifts to me sound hollow,thin,and lean...more like monitors with stands than a floorstander...the Hotrod is also $600 or so more new...so it should be better...I like Meadowlark...but the Swifts are way overated in my opinion...if you want even a cheaper option...used vandersteen 1cs for around $500...virtually identical phase correct sound...