Swan Owner's Thread

[Riblet]

I could not find one via search, so am starting this as the Swan owners thread. If you want to suggest someone to buy something else, post in a different thread. If you are interested in Swan speakers or an owner, post here. Current Swan owners should post your current setup, speaker models and components. I love my speakers, but if you have real experience with swan speakers and are not satisfied, your posts are still welcome.


I have in my system:
Swan Diva 6.1 mains
Diva C3 center channel
Diva 4.1 rear speakers
Diva Sub10
Outlaw Audio 950 preamp/processor
Outlaw Audio 7100 7x100 amplifier (7x165 @ 4 ohms)
Oppo DVD player
Toshiba A1 HD-DVD player
Sanyo Z2 front projector
92” Da-lite HCCV screen
Cables are from Blue Jeans Cable
All speakers are Rosewood
The mains are Bi-amped, the center and rears single-amped.

I mostly watch movies, and those are usually HD-DVD. The 5.1 analog output is used going to the 950 from the A1 since the 950 has no support for HDMI. I have been to a variety of decently setup systems, and still much prefer my Swan setup.

I look forward to reading what kind of setup others have with their swan speakers.

[parkerj]

I'm currently auditioning a set of 5.2 fronts and a 4.2 center (and having fun doing it!).

Swan 5.2f
Swan 4.2c
Yamaha RX-V1000
(Arcam AVR300 on the way :-)
Oppo DV-981HD
Samsung LNS4096

You mentioned bi-amping on the 6.2s. Do they have two sets of posts? The 5.2s I have do not.

Oops. I see you have the 6.1s (not 6.2s).

[Riblet]

The 6.1s have two sets of posts, specifically for bi-amping. I was unable to find any pictures or specs on the 6.2 for comparison. On the 6.1s, the difference in clarity and detail from bi-amping with my equipment is large.

[A/Vspec]

Bump...

Not many Swan owners out there? I was looking at the new 6.2's. Anyone have them yet?

The speakers look very nice but how do they sound????

Anyone in the area (eastern PA Phila) that I could take a listen to them???

[6SpeedTA95]

Where can one buy Swan? Preferrably online?

[usp1]

You can buy Swan at the Audioinsider website.

I have
Swan 5.1 fronts
Swan c3 center
Swan 4.1s rears
Swan s10 sub.

Driven by Onkyo-804
Oppo 970hd

My 5.1s have 3 sets of posts (for tri-amping?) whereas the 4.1s have 2 sets of posts. Ran out of budget for more amps but will eventually add them. Dont have the foggiest idea how to tri-amp but thats why we have these forums. Will read more about it when I have the electronics.

6-speed - you should check out the 5.1 swans since they are on sale for 699. Whole lot of speaker for the price.

After comparing APerion, Paradigm Monitor 11, MArtin Logan Mosaic and some mini Gallos in my room, I find the Swans to be the best so far. The APerion 12" sub was better than the Swan s10 but the 5.1s simply outclass the 533t Aperions. Of course my Swan set-up is more expensive then the APerion set-up I compared it to.

[Jon Lane]

Originally Posted by 6SpeedTA95

Where can one buy Swan? Preferrably online?

Hi TA. Here's some info that might help.

Swan is offered Internet-direct in the US, with the expected savings and guarantees. Try the Audio Insider .com. USP1 is correct, the 5.1 (four feet tall, weighing nearly 65 lbs each, and in book-matched rosewood) is currently featured at some "interesting" savings.

[6SpeedTA95]

Originally Posted by Jon Lane

Hi TA. Here's some info that might help.

Swan is offered Internet-direct in the US, with the expected savings and guarantees. Try the Audio Insider .com. USP1 is correct, the 5.1 (four feet tall, weighing nearly 65 lbs each, and in book-matched rosewood) is currently featured at some "interesting" savings.

Thank you Jon

[DMD123]

I have a small 2ch set up in my office that consists of:

Swan Diva 2.1
Marantz SR4021 Stereo Receiver
Marantz CD 5001 CD Player
Ixos XHA716 Zen Interconnect
Audioquest Indigo Speaker wire

This is a very simple stereo setup that I would like to add a small sub to in the future. I found my Marantz a little rough on the treble with the swans but the speaker cable and interconnects I use smooth out the top and gives the sound a little more laid back of a presentation. Considering these things are running full range they sound very good for only a $300ish speaker.

[ssabripo]

owner here....some of my swans are gone now, but I still have a pair of swan diva 6.1s doing rear surround duties! they are irreplaceable for any floor stander under $1800.

B&W Nautilus 802 fronts
DIY Dayton RS WMTW center
Swan Diva 6.1 rears
Dual Avalanche 18" large low tuned EBS subs
Proceed AVP2+6 pre/pro
Cinenova Grande mutli-channel amp
Behringer DEQ2496 EQ
Crown K2 amp
Pioneer Elite plasma 1130
Denon 3910 modded universal player

[A/Vspec]

Wow! Killer system. Those subs are... well lets just say large! ;-)

So how do the Swans compair to the B&W's? Amazing how close they look a like.

[usp1]

Are those sonotube subs?

[ssabripo]

Originally Posted by A/Vspec

So how do the Swans compair to the B&W's? Amazing how close they look a like.

we all know how much the B&W Nautilus 802s cost, and we all know how much the swan diva 6.1s cost. If there was a "bang for buck" competition, this one would be a lopsided brutal KO.......does that answer your question?

Originally Posted by usp1

Are those sonotube subs?

yes:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=756408

[Jon Lane]

You're still the man, ssabripo. Thanks for the kudos -- wow, and kudos they certainly are.

Just an FYI, we're getting a lot of action (while they last) on our model 5.1 blowout. A little taller model than the 6.1, and with the high-dispersion Neo dome midrange, perhaps even more perfect for surround duty, not that they don't make a simply superb main system as well.

Nice rig, man. And thanks for the nice words...

[6SpeedTA95]

Hey ssab, how much power do your subs require?

Are they each dual 18's? I think this is what you told me via aim but I can't remember.

[ssabripo]

Originally Posted by 6SpeedTA95

Hey ssab, how much power do your subs require?

Are they each dual 18's? I think this is what you told me via aim but I can't remember.

they are driven by a Crown K2 at 800W each (amp limited design). Each tube contains one Avalanche 18", tuned to 12.5hz. The measured FR looks like this:




you can find lots more info on the build thread I posted earlier.

[ssabripo]

Originally Posted by Jon Lane

You're still the man, ssabripo. Thanks for the kudos -- wow, and kudos they certainly are.

Just an FYI, we're getting a lot of action (while they last) on our model 5.1 blowout. A little taller model than the 6.1, and with the high-dispersion Neo dome midrange, perhaps even more perfect for surround duty, not that they don't make a simply superb main system as well.

Nice rig, man. And thanks for the nice words...

nice to see you around still Jon! Hope all is well and getting back up into things A/V!

guys, there are certain qualities that separates audio guys like Jon Lane and Mark Schifter from the rest of the crowd..........if you guys ever doubted what true service and attention to detail and satisfaction is, give this man a call and find out!

[Jon Lane]

[AVOpus]

It's been a while since I visited the speaker forum. Quite honestly, after I purchased my full Swans set (6.2 f/r, 4.2C/R) I have been just enjoying the sound and not doing much else. Let me just say that the Swans give your system a LOT of room to grow. Every improvement I have done to my overall system has realized an improvement in overall fidelity. The Swans have never been the weak link and the sound is very, very good.

The treble is detailed without being harsh. You upper midrange is excellent with female vocals especially standing out. The mid-bass was a touch subdued, but very accurate, while the deep stuff is tight, powerful, and musical , but just a hair less quick as some of the speakers in a much higher price bracket 3-5k / pair. I found the soundstage and imaging of these speakers to be amazing for their price. This is one area where many speakers fell victim to the Swans. I auditioned several speakers in my room with the Swans when I was shopping for speakers over a year ago and the Swans just kept rising to the top. Axiom m80s, Focal Cobalt, and B&W were among the casualties. Granted, I did hear speakers from these manufacturers(except Axiom) having a superior overall sound, they were in a much higher price bracket and I couldn't ignore the incredible value in the Swans. None of the sub 2k speakers I auditioned sounded better to my ears.

Also, Jon Lane was very helpful and will work with any issues you might (but probably won't) have. I would buy from his company again.

[garretwp]

Another Swan owner here. My Setup which is located in my bedroom:

Front: Swan Diva 6.1
Center: Swan Diva C3
Rear: Boston Acoustic VRX
Subwoofer: Audiosource 15in Subwoofer (considering upgrading)
Receiver: Panasonic XR55K
TV: Vizio 32in LCD
DVD Player: Pioneer DV-400 DVD Player and Pioneer DVD Recorder
Roku Soundbridge M1001 music streamer
HTPC: Custom built
Custom made speaker cables

Though my system by no means is high end. I was looking to get the most bang for my buck. I have tried all speaker brands: Boston, Mirage, Klipsch (higher end line), Definitive Technology, Polk (high end line), B&W, Energy, Focal/JM Lab, KEF and so on.

Before I get into talking about the swans and my experience. I will tell you out all the speakers I tried when upgrading my Definitive Technology SM450 speakers and C2002 center channel, I liked Focal, Boston Acoustic and Polks LSi line of speakers. I was really close to buying the Boston VR3 series but came across people talking about Swan speakers and how they are a good bang for the buck. I was in the market to spend 2k on the front two speakers and also buy a matching center channel. My needs were to be great with 5.1 (movies) and the most important 2 channel audio for music.

Researching and talking with a few Swan owners, I was ready to give the Swan Diva 6.1 a try. I knew I was taking the risk in buying something that I have not heard and when it comes to buying speakers, auditioning them is the most important thing you can do! I took the plunge and ordered them from newegg as they were going for a great price. The only draw back is that they were not returnable! So I was really taking a risk!

I must say that my decision to buy the Swans was a great one! I could not be more than happy with them! They produce great lows and the mids and highs are great as well. They were the type of speaker that I was looking for to fulfill my needs in both categories! The most important was for music. The Swans cover music listening very well and very surprised how well they can handle the lows! I have these speakers hooked up via bi-wiring on my Panasonic and have the receiver set to bi-wire and bi-amping mode. All in all these are a great bang for the buck and compare very close a lot of higher end speakers. I am very happy with them!

As you will read over time, everyone will have their own opinion and taste for speakers. I will repeat this again and say that you must listen before you buy, unless you are risky and want to take a chance like I did. You can not go wrong with these speakers. It is a shame that there are not many people out there owning such a great product. If anyone has any questions, please feel free to ask.

- Garrett

Jon Lane,

Do you guys still carry the subwoofers? I may be looking to replace my subwoofer. How is the subwoofer line?

[mrrame]

Ok, New swan owner here. Just came home and saw a package left in front of my door. My C3 arrived, waiting for 5.1's. Haven't hooked up yet. Will keep you posted.

[IMG][img=http://img249.imageshack.us/img249/3756/dsc6208lobf6.th.jpg][/IMG]

[floridapoolboy]

Swan owner, 5.1s, C3 center, R3 surrounds, all in rosewood. I can't say enough good things about this setup, the sound AND the looks are fantastic! I was bummed that I didn't get in on the 4.1 deal, as I wanted them for rear surrounds. The blowout sale on the 5.1s is tempting, although they seem like overkill for rear surrounds. Great deal though!

Edit: Guess I waited too long, looks like the Swan sales are over for now. Bummer, I missed the 4.1s AND the 5.1s!

[A/Vspec]

My 5.1's arrived today along with one pair of R3's but not my C3 or the second pair of R3's for the rears.

The 5.1's are very heavy and look very nice.

Anyone know the break-in period on these?

[floridapoolboy]

Hook em up and listen, they sound great right from the get-go. Any break-in after the first 10 minutes is with your ears, not the speakers!

[A/Vspec]

I also notice there is a insert in the baffle. Should this be left in or removed?

[floridapoolboy]

The baffle insert would screw up the sound coming from the reflex port. Unless you're very slick and want to experiment you'd be wise to remove it!

[Stephen Hopkins]

I started out about 4 years ago with a pair of 4.1 towers in BC from The Audio Insider. I quickly (within a month) added the matching C3 center and 2.1 surrounds. About 9 months ago I upgraded the 4.1s to 6.1s. I ordered them from in BC from OZ and accidently received Rosewood instead. After speaking w/ OZ we decided I'd keep them as it'd be cheaper for them than paying for shipping both ways for the replacements and I lucked into the better finish. I also lucked into finding a premium Contact Paper in a color that EXACTLY matched that of the Rosewood finish (just without the laquer shine). I used it to make my silver/piano black equipment rack match the new speakers, and also used it to make the BC C3 center channel match as well. For now I'm leaving the 2.1s in the back unchanged because the backs are visible and would be hard to cover. Right now my system consists of the following (with the only planned change being a Tivo HD Lite replacing the Moto HD-DVR sometime in September, as well as building a facade to cover the screen mechanism):

Swans 6.1 Mains
Swans 2.1 Surrounds
Swans C3 Center
DIY Ascendant Avalanche 12" Sub w/ 300w Bash Amp
Pioneer Elite 82TXs Receiver
Toshiba HD-A1 HD-DVD Player
Samsung BDP1000 BluRay Player
Motorola 6412 HD-DVR
Panasonic AE700U 720p LCD Projecto
Elite 100" 16:9 Electric Remote Pulldown Screen

[Tunacious]

As of yesterday, I've become a Swans owner. It's not all here yet but when it is I'll have:

6.1's
C3
R3's

All in rosewood. I'm taking tomorrow off so I can pull cable and set everything up.

[KindSmoker]

Just got my 6.1's today,still waiting on my C3--They sound wonderful!!

[garretwp]

I just picked up a new receiver (Yamaha RX-V661) as I also picked up a Toshiba HD-DVD A2 player and my Panasonic XR-55 did not support hdmi. So I could not take advantage of Dolby TrueHD and also DD+. HDMI is required for these audio formats. Well the Yamaha just brought my Swans even more crisp sound and good bass. I thought the Panasonic did a good job. I am liking the sound much better with the Yamaha and I have the 6.1's hooked up bi-amp mode. I believe it is well worth the effort to give this brand a try! They put a smile on my face every time I listen to them!

When I was at 6 Ave to buy the receiver, I was asked by a few sales staff on what I had for speakers. I told them about my Swans and they asked me all questions about the brand. So I gave them a little 411 on them.

- Garrett