Speaker Asylum: REVIEW: Meadowlark Audio Swift Speakers by captpenny

Model:	Swift
Category:	Speakers
Suggested Retail Price:	$1000
Description:	2 way transmision line floorstanding
Manufacturer URL:	Meadowlark Audio
Model Picture:	View

Review by captpenny ( A ) on January 07, 2003 at 04:37:37
IP Address: 198.81.26.232

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for the Swift

I'll admit I was a bit apprehensive and sceptical when the Swifts arrived
as I bought them unheard. I know it sounds foolish but I live an audio
wasteland where the nearest dealer is 300 miles away. I've been an audiophile for 30yrs. so I've been around the block a few times and I needed a full range speaker for a very small room which could be placed near the rear wall. The Meadowlark was regarded very highly in the audiophile world so I took a chance and I'm not dissapointed. The Swift throws a huge soundstage and images well. The bass is unbelievable for its
size and overall the sound is very coherent and involving. No, the bottom
octave is missing and inner detail is somewhat vague but there is not much more to fault. It's easy to drive and for a small room you cannot do much better. Above all it makes music enjoyable and fun so quit analyizing and
audition the Swift for what it is, not what it could be. It does 95% of what the big boys do at a fraction of the cost and at its price its a steal. If you would like to pay two or three times the price for that 5%, it' up to you. For me, I'll kick back, pop a cold one and enjoy!

Product Weakness: Not much. Doesn't have the last amount of refinement or deep bass but thats why Meadowlark has the Kestral2 and Osprey.
Product Strengths: Very musical and involving with a big soundstage and good bass. At its price it's a steal!

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	ARC VT130
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	ARC LS2BII
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Theta digital, VPI analog
Speakers:	Meadowlark Swifts
Cables/Interconnects:	Wireworld Eclipse, XLO digital
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Jazz, Blues, Folk, Alt Country, Rock
Room Size (LxWxH):	12' x 12' x 10'
Room Comments/Treatments:	Not a good room and I could use some treatment but overall sound is very good.
Time Period/Length of Audition:	2 weeks/100hrs.
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	Adcom 515
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner
Your System (if other than home audition):	Same but cant't use my Von Schweikert 4.5s because of lack of space.

Product Weakness:	Not much. Doesn't have the last amount of refinement or deep bass but thats why Meadowlark has the Kestral2 and Osprey.
Product Strengths:	Very musical and involving with a big soundstage and good bass. At its price it's a steal!