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Well the topic says it all, I need to decide on a horn to purchase this fall and I have narrowed it down to these two horns, but I'm an open-minded person (A good friend of mine recommended the Thor over both of these, but I won't be able to find one used very easily). I would like something that is ergonomic for myself (I'm 5'5) and yet can give me the ability to fill a concert hall without sacrificing tone quality, and still have more to give if it's needed.

I like the Kanstul because of it's claim for having a York-like sound. I agree, no matter who plays on the horn will have that common York sound that I seek. With the price of one going for $10,500, I can't be too wrong with that 5/4. The only issue I see is that it might not be ergonomic for someone of my size, unless it has perfect intonation or something.

With the 1292, miraphones have been reliable in my career. From playing on 184's, 186, and a BBb 1291 for quite some time I can say that it is a brand to trust. I've tried out my teacher's CC 1291 recently and it fit well, as long as I grabbed the first valve slide from under the top branch. The one I'm looking at is used from WWBW on Ebay for $8,504, and only has a little ripple on the bell (a flaw that doesn't bother me). Of course others have said that it has real wonky intonation, and that isn't really what I have in mind. Especially because for the Conn I play on my first valve slide is all over the place, and with E below the staff being half a centemeter from falling out of the horn, it would be relaxing to not have that issue.

So, for lack of a better term, flood me with opinions!

Not a super fan of either.. so hopefully that makes me an impartial observer.

If those are the two choices.. buy the Miraphone.

I want Kanstul to be a huge success but the Miraphone is a much better built and more refined design. You'll have far fewer issues and a lot more enjoyment.

I spent a few months with the Kanstul in 2012 and I found it to be a wonderful horn with a couple of quirks that I got used to quickly. I have played the 1291 and 1292 and found they didn't have the breadth of sound that I sought. I did find it in the Kanstul. I'm a tall guy, 6'2" with a tall torso, and the Kanstul fit me very well. I know that sounds like a negative with your stated stature, but the use of a stand could alleviate any problem that may arise.

Kanstul redesigned the horn a little while ago and I haven't played it yet. From what I have heard, it's even better than the model I used.

Ian's suggestion of getting to Cali to play as many models as possible is spot on. And you may find something that works better that you hadn't initially considered.

Have fun with your search.

Indeed this is good advice, I might need to fly down and figure this out. Another thought was just abusing the return policies with the horns. Lets say I order one and hate it, I can just return it and remember to keep the original packaging.

I heard some other opinions. Do tell!