Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Advice from Axiom Owners Very Confused...need advice on Speaker upgrade ($600)

i am looking to upgrade my current Infinty IL10's bookshelfs with something much better, but I only have $1000 overall for both fronts and center, thus, would like to keep the fronts in the $600-$700 range max. here are some of the choices I have narrowed it down to thus far:

Swan 4.1's ($500/pr)


Axiom M40ti ($560/pr)


B&W DM602.5 S3 ($500/pr)


B&W DM603 S3 (I know, more than $600, but I heard them and sound so good)


Paradigm Monitor 7 ($600)


PSB Image T45 ($550)


Athena AS-F2 ($400)


Energy Connoisseur : C-5 ($550)


Currently, I have only listened to the B&W ones and LOVE them.... but I have heard a lot of good things from the Swan's for the price. I am also confused because the others (Paradigm, PSB, etc) have had high praise from a lot of people and they are within the range.

any help would be appreciated.

I too have heard the paradigm and B&W 603 602, they sounded very good. It apears from my research with Axiom, i am getting more speaker for the money. Not hearing the Axioms is the only thing keeping me from pressing the buy button. I heard the higher end energy bookshelf speakers and I am impressed with how clear and bright the sound is.

I posted a review of some of these speakers awhile back that you might be interested in reading. You can find it here.
I have also heard the Paradigm Monitors and B&W 603 and 703 series.
Unfortunately i have not yet heard the Axiom M50/40 models nor the Swans which seem to be rather popular.

The only comparision I can speak to directly is Paradigm/Axiom.

I used to own Paradigm Monitor 7's, now own Axiom M80's. I know it's not a direct comparison. M80's are worlds better than the M 7's. I've also heard the Monitor 11's, M80 are at least equal to and probably better, I did not A/B the 2 so I can't compare directly.

So the M40's are very likely to be a better buy than the M 7's.

so, would you guys consider the M50ti in the same category as the B&W 603's, or just a tad below? they are both around the same price, and I LOVE the BW's but have yet to hear any Axiom...

also, how are the missions? like the

m35i


or the V63

In previous, similar threads a few people have said that they found M60s to be clearly better than 603s. The 50s should have a very slightly recessed midrange relative to 60s but otherwise fairly similar.

My guess is that most people would prefer 50s to 603s but I have not seen any direct comparison to confirm that.

Between 60s and 703s it seems that a small majority prefers the 60s over the 703s (vs. a slam-dunk win for M60s over 603s).

ssabripo,
Personally i don't rank speakers. I like some over others per my own preferences.

I did not like the B&W 603s as i found them more harsh compared to other brands, like Axiom, Tannoy or Monitor Audio, let alone against their own brethren, the 703s. However the 703s are darn pricey speakers.
The Missions i heard were quite good, and quite large, for their price. I was pleasantly surprised, but they were somewhat recessed in sound and did not have the detail of the other models we were auditioning at the time. If anyone finds Axiom or {insert name here} to be bright or forward, i suggest they listen to the Mission M35s to hear just how big the difference can be. If such a person prefers a laid back or less bright sound, then the Missions are a good choice.

I picked my M60's over the 703's after demoing my brother in-law's B&W's. Personally I think the sound is better, and the cost is a whole lot better

Try to find someone in your are that you can get an audition of Axiom's by checking the Audition Thread....

Randy

i have no real input to offer here. i just want to comment on how beautiful each of these speakers are that have been posted on this thread. ALL of the individual designs have something about them that make them stand out.

it just makes me smile to see form and function intergrated so well!

bigjohn

Agree 100%. It is pretty much impossible to say "these are best" -- you need a fairly significant difference between models before you can even say that one is better than the other.

I figure the best we can do is summarize what other people have felt. As Chess says, don't read too much into other people's preferences but it a useful source of info...

>>i have no real input to offer here. i just want to comment on how beautiful each of these speakers are that have been posted on this thread. ALL of the individual designs have something about them that make them stand out.

Yeah... those Swans sure look nice don't they. I bet they sound great too...

so, can I say that these are all in the same "level" pretty much?

if so, I would love to see if there are any swan owners around here so I can listen to them....I live in Miami Florida

You might have a tough time finding Swans on an Axiom forum.You should try Audioenvy .We also have a list of Axioms for audition Here .

Man, those Swans are pretty.

It looks like Swans Speakers is now operating in California and is wholly-owned by the driver manufacturer, which is based in China.

Their website is interesting. Perhaps they should consider using something besides babelfish to translate it into English. For example (and I am not making this stuff up):

"6-inch long stroke high power loudspeaker unit supplies surging ultra-bass."

"There are electrical source, input of sound resource on back panel, connection point of satellite speaker and some adjust knobs. When turn on it, the red light on back panel will be lighting."

"With exquisite appearance, line controlling series on audio frequency holding wire as same as a small boat."

"There is a circular switch on the top of it, when press it can make M-20L locate in the situation of static sound. With wonderful feeling, the knob in the front of line controlling can use to adjust volume."

"The circuit design of M-20L is concise and tidy; various of segments are arranged together tidily."

"No matter you listen CD music, DVD film, play game or download MP3 by computer, sound revivification through computers are always the basic part. With the development of modern sound card technology, improve better and better for high quality sound card. Care only cost but sound quality multimedia speaker cannot catch the development step for modern sound card, and it is doom to be the bottleneck of the development of multimedia, which results that there is no connection between multimedia speaker and fidelity.For the purpose of breaking the ice, Swans Group put out M-200 through 2 years' hard work. We put multimedia speaker into a situation of HI-fi confidently."

All your base are belong to us!

Wait, wait, one more...

"There is no volume adjusting knob for bass artillery, which is controlled by a outward line has a big static sound button, if you touch it, then sudden quiet."

I'm going to go translate that site into Redneck right now!

I thought he was talking about these Swan speakers .

Same thing, Rick. Audio Insider is the North American internet sales outlet for them (and that site does the translations much better).

Gotcha Tom,if that is the case I dunno.It seems most of there stuff is out of stock,that can't be good.

Is it just me, or do the Swans look like they get their cabinets from the same place as Rockets ?

First of all, of all the speakers you refer to, I have only listened to the Axiom M50s. Like Right Now, I just finished listening to "Monsters Inc." for the first time on the M50s after upgrading from Axiom M3s.

My advice to you is simple-The M50s are in your price range: BUY THESE SPEAKERS!!! I bought the M50s because I moved into a larger house and had to replace my beloved M3s, that I'd had for quite a few years, and felt that they were going to be my "Speakers For Life". At any rate after lots of study I purchased Axiom M50s; the more I listen to them, the more I like them-Even Better Than My M3s!!!

My WIFE, for cryin' out loud, remarked yet again, on how much better the M50s sounded on home theater! (I know, she's my wife and her prime goal in life is to influence my thoughts on Every Subject, but this time she agrees with me!)

I realise I'm not answering any of your questions, although I asked a lot of the same questions that you are asking before I bought my first Axioms some time ago.

So, do the axiom M50s sound like the 603s? I Dunno.
I would suggest the 30 free trial, but the return shipping would be a killer if you didn't like them. Then again, if you love the 603s and they are the same price....

Just consider this an unsolisited testimonial from a happy Axiom owner who just happened to enjoy an animated movie with his family and simply had to comment on it to somebody.

Happy Hunting'
Rich.

I'm gonna have to go back and do some re-researching, but I was under the impression that Swan had some problems a few years back about their tweeter arangement being just a bit to close to another popular speaker manufacturer who chose to be somewhat protective of their signature design, and there may have even been a hint of litigation in the works. I then thought that I'd read somewhere that Swan backed away and went so far as to change their name to "Rocket" Or, something like that or not at all like that.

It happened right after that speaker face-off between the Axiom M3, the Swan Diva, and the Marble gem from Siam.

This 'Chinglish' making me very no happy to artillery bass purchase.

Too f**king funny, Tom!
I particulary like the, "...Swans Group put out M-200 through 2 years' hard work," line. At $2/day each for a group of twenty researchers that equates to $20,000 for the R&D budget. That slave labor sure gets your production costs down, eh?

Great stuff guys!

One thing that I am worried about before plunking the $$ on the Axioms is that I hear all of you saying that I should shoot for the M50ti, which is $700/pr. The B&W 603 S3 is also in that price range, and thus, I dunno if they are in the same level....I apologize for being so hesitant, but I have never heard Axioms in person, and thus my questions.

I think after reading all your reviews, I am starting to narrow it down to the M50ti, 603 S3, or the Swan 5.1....heck, I may even look into some monitor Audio if need be.

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The B&W 603 S3 is also in that price range, and thus, I dunno if they are in the same level

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I haven't heard any of those particular speakers either (I have M60s), but I can tell you this an all honesty:

I expected to, and would have paid $3k just for my "mains" because I went into this HT revamp thinking that I was going to get the "dream" speakers I had wanted for twenty years since I first got into this hobby as a teenager.

I think the hardest thing for me to have learned is that there is NOT a hard correlation between price and speaker sound. I still have to remind myself that the Axiom setup was not 3X the cost! My only limitation with these speakers is the small, acoustically-poor room I'm in.

I realize that doesn't help your comparison between so many products, but I really think you're doing yourself a disservice if you assume that a more expensive speaker will necessarily be better. There might be some truth to that within speaker lines, but even that's no given when you take personal taste into account.

Good luck in your quest... you've at least stumbled onto a board where you'll find many helpful people and, though almost all of us own Axioms, we still look out for what's best for you!

well said!

and yes, I am amazed at the level of response and help in this board....even more so than in avsforum.com...impressive. I wish there was someone in the miami/ft lauderdale area that had some Axioms so I can stop by and check them up.

I did find a local dealer who has some Monitor Audio, and he was pushing them pretty hard, but I am still not very convinced they are that much better compared to when I listened to them a while back.

Have you considered the factory outlet Axioms here?

It looks like the wait times are only 2 weeks for what you're looking for and you'll read over and over here that any "blemishes" are very, very minor if the owner can find any at all! Sometimes, the wait times are 6 or 8 weeks, so it might be a good time to jump!

One more bit of advice FWIW that refers to Axiom or any other manufacturer: Speakers can be a long-term investment if you select them right. Unlike electronics, which offer new features every year and tempt you to upgrade/replace, speakers can last you a long, long time if you like their sound and they fit your music/movie needs and the room that they're in. If I was working with a hard ceiling $$ limit, I would consider getting the two "main" speakers that I really liked best, even if it meant that I used a phantom center for a little while (heck, if you're not playing to a crowd, some people prefer a phantom center anyway!). This could enable you to stretch the finances over time a bit, but 6 months or year from now you'll have a better system for it.

Of course, (2) m50s and a VP100 from the factory outlet are only $846 (shipping is included)... well under your price goal. Jeez, maybe you should go for the M60s!

Spending other peoples' money is cool!

>>Spending other peoples' money is cool!

I think this is the secret of this board's success. That and the nice people you meet...

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the nice people you meet

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would you just shut the hell up!!



bigjohn

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My only limitation with these speakers is the small, acoustically-poor room I'm in.

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The wife made you set them up in the bathroom?

Bren R.

The speakers you are mulling over are all very good - you'll be happy with any of them, I reckon.
I'll second the suggestion to splurge on your speakers (particularly the mains) and skimp on your electronics. Definitely skimp on your connectors.

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Spending other peoples' money is cool!

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Speaking of which - just got my high 6 figure budget for my next production setup.

Uh, yeah, we need these M80s for, uh... near-field monitors. 10 of them.

Bren R.

I will second Mark's (Have you considered the factory outlet Axioms). I think they would be about $630 US. That is were I got my M50's from and I still cannot find any blemishes and I've had them for about 2 years.

Good luck in your search

Yes, I am considering the outlet M50tis.....I also heard good reviews on the Energy Connossieur series, and found this guy selling them for $700 on ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5763255129&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1

wow, those almost have an industrial look to them.

by looking at the speaker arrangement, you would assume that they are comparible with the M60's?

bigjohn

If that's the C-7, then they would be comparible to the Axiom M222

I think.(?)

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Axiom M222

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there is no M222? unless you know something i dont?

the M22 is a bookshelf... definitely in a different class than the C-7.

i reckon it would be more like the M60's cause it has 1 tweeter, and 3 woofers.. although, one woofer on the M60's is smaller than the other two.

bigjohn

You are looking at $700 plus shipping.The b stock M60s are only $810.Not really much differance in price once shipping would be included.

From the Energy website,

Energy Speaker Systems warrants this product to the original retail purchaser against any failure resulting from original manufacturing defects in workmanship or materials. The warranty is in effect for a period of: Passive Speakers - five (5) years, Subwoofers - one (1) year from date of purchase from an authorized Energy Speakers dealer and is valid only if the original dated bill of sale is presented when service is required, by the original owner only.

Actually, and this is where it becomes fun,I was thinking of the M2 with one 5.25 mid woof.
the M22 with two 5.25s
and the non-existant M222 with three 5.25s
But you are right-the M222 would(if it existed)be a bookshelf, so...
Would a floorstander be an M...uh...
Oops..ok, it's not fun anymore!!!
Well, it was fun while it lasted!
Rich.

Darn it....everytime I think I am narrowing it down, something else pops up....ARRRRRRRRRRRGGGGHHHHHHH.

anyway, how about these Infinty Primus?? I have the infinity IL10's now (bookshelfs) which I am upgrading from, so I know the sound more or less..I imagine the floor spekaers would be fuller, etc?

[img]http://akamaipix.crutchfield.com/products/2003/700/h700P360-f_MT.jpeg [/img]

image didnt work.. and i couldnt get it to post either?

bigjohn

lemme try again:

those are pretty too.

real similar to the 60's, just no front port.

bigjohn

Hey, those look like STREEM speakers!

I almost envy your confusion! Really!!
I enjoy the heck out of my speakers-but all I do now is listen!
The research however, was a Real Hoot!!
So take your time, think it out clearly, and above all, have fun!!!
And when you've finally made up your mind, buy your M50s from the FO!

Seriously-keep going, have fun, keep us involved and remember, were having fun right along with you!

Happy Hunting!!
Rich.

STREEM!!!!

i heard those were awesome.......NOT

speaking of NOT... has anyone gone to EBAY lately and looked under 'speakers'. there is page, after page, after page of what i am assuming is some super cheap crap. stuff called theater research, and digital research, and cadence.. ? what is that junk? do people really think they are getting a decent speaker when they pay $300 bucks for a 7.1 system?

there should be a law or something.. but then again, its hard to make laws to protect people from their own stupidity.

bigjohn

They must be getting out of the white van buissness and into direct marketing.

Having listened to both the Energy Connossieur speakers AND the M60ti and M22ti, I've got to say the Energy C-3 was pretty nice, but not nearly as clear as the M22ti.

The C-7 and C-9 don't come close to the M60ti though. I personally think the only decent sounding Energy Connossieur speaker is their C-3. (which I've seen at blow out prices recently...as low as $250/pair! - At that price they're certainly worth buying)

But if it's towers you're looking for I simply haven't heard anything as good or better than the M60, until I've gotten up into the range of the B&W 703 or some Thiel products...that's getting very pricey.

Part of their strategy may be, because of the popularity of the internet, to develop a serious appearing web site so that if a person runs across these speakers, a website that gives the impression that they are a legit speaker manufacturer will be instantly available to that perspective purchaser to help prompt the sale either from the van, or later, on-line simply because the product name is still fresh in the mind of the individual approached by the van.

Or not.

Yeah....this is the impression I am getting from here: dont bother with the M40ti and go directly to the M50ti or better yet M60ti....the only other one that comes close to sound in you guy's opinion would be the B&W 703s...which is at least 2x.

I wish I could hear the Swan's in person, although the price is still kind of high for the 5.2 ro 6.2..... they look better visually than the Axioms, but I dont know about the sound....

Ok then! Let's add even more to the fun!!

I'm gonna go out on a limb here. To help you choose-The M60s sound much like the 703s, and I'm going to guess that the M50 sound closer to the Swans.(IF the New Swans sound similar to the Old Swans)

To sum it up simplistically: While the differences between the two Axioms isn't quite Nite&Day, the M60s are somewhat more clear and analytical, while the M50s are more warm and "Pleasant"

This is what I've gathered by reading-not listening!!

Good Luck-Have Fun!
Rich.

While I never have heard stream speakers, I'll attest that they did completely rip off Infinity's design.

I heard the Alpha 50s in CC before, and I was very impressed with them. Not that I had much else to compare them to, but they were cool. The Beta 50s are more of the same, so if you want new Infinities, try and find Alpha 50s somewhere.

In general, I believe you are correct (though I haven't heard the M50s), but much depends on the listening environment. I have my M60s upstairs now and they sound positively warm and rich in that room (mated to some older Onkyo DACs).
All I ever listen to is the same Reggae for Kids disc right before bed time, but Hakuna Matata has never sounded better!
It's kind of like using a Ferrari to deliver pizzas, but I can't bring myself to sell them.

I haven't had the opportunity to hear "Hakuna Matata" on my new M50s yet-although I'm sure I will, relatively soon, especially after the kids get out of school for the summer. BUT! Tonight the kids wanted to watch "Finding Nemo" again.

Now, I must appologise for a comment I made a bit ago about the relative lack of "expected" bass I was hearing from the M50s.

The aquarium "Tap" is a whole different animal!! Same sub as before, same location. Only difference is the M50s vs. the M3s, and the drop of X-over from 80 to 60hz. The sound changed from basically a "Thud, thud, thud" to just about what one would think a loud rapping would sound like from within a tank, especially considering the excellent sound coupling of slightly polluted water. Must have picked-up a much stronger attack in the 60 to 80 range than what I would have supposed. (That, plus I have receintly re-set my reciever EQ to make the mains' bass flat down to just below 50-Even In My ROOM!!!) I had heard that the Tank Rap was near-violent, now I must agree! It IS!!!

As far as comparing your 60s to a Ferrari; nothing wrong with using something great for good use. Hey, if all pizza deliveries were made by Ferraris' we'd all end up with warmer pies delivered even faster!!

Rich.

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this is the impression I am getting from here: dont bother with the M40ti and go directly to the M50ti or better yet M60ti

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I"m presently recommending the M40s for my brother's HT.
He wants a full tower style but has little room to play with (an 11x15 room with a 50" tv coming). The M40s with a sub should be excellent choices along with QS4s and maybe the EP175 or EP350. He hasn't quite decided yet.

Guys, here is an update:

I did some more research over the weekend, and I have pretty much narrowed my choice down to 3 thus far: the B&W 603 S3, Axiom M50ti, and the Swan Diva 4.1.

I spoke to several local dealers and I cannot get anything below $475-$500 each (so you are looking at $950-$1000/pr) for the B&W 603. I love the sound on these puppies, but I must admit it is a little on the high side price wise.

I also spoke the the Swan 4.1 person, and chatted for a while...the 4.1 are actually better for music according to him, whereas, the 5.2 is a little more sensitive and has to be driven a little harder...thus, for my needs (50% music, 50% HT), I think the 4.1's are a good deal. Another thing that I really like about them, is that @ $500, they truly are a steal for what you get.

I am also leaning towards teh M50ti instead of the M40ti because of all you guys' comments. From all the forums I posted, I get teh impression that the Axioms are a little on the bright side, where as the B&W and Swan are more Neutral...I have a Yamaha DSP-A1 driving them, and they are usually also a little on the bright side, so I am not quite sure about the sound. One more thing I hope is not a big deal is the weight...the Axiom M50ti comes in at 36lbs, the Swan at 69lbs, and the BW at 55 lbs.

Still looking and confused, but for now it seems like the swans have a slight lead, followed closely by the Axioms...the BW are third solely on price...

Here is the chase thus far:

vs vs

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From all the forums I posted, I get teh impression that the Axioms are a little on the bright side, where as the B&W and Swan are more Neutral...

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It's more like the B&W's are a bit bloaty in the mid-bass. Axioms are very neutral.

Have you looked into the used market? Audiogon or Ebay?

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Have you looked into the used market? Audiogon or Ebay?

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yes, and the BW sold for like $800....tack on the shipping and we are looking almost at new costs for an older thing!

btw, is it me, or is ebay pretty much useless the last few years, because everything there is soooo overpriced now.

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is ebay pretty much useless

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i think it completely depends on what you are looking for.

when dealing with high-end stereo equip, i have found that the minimal savings most of the time isnt worth the risk to buy on ebay. often times, you can find better deals from reputable online dealers offering warrantys.

but, if you are looking for the right boot of your 1982 GI JOE Faukland Islands Commando Action Figure, then ebay is the place to look!

bigjohn

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It's more like the B&W's are a bit bloaty in the mid-bass. Axioms are very neutral.

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The folks at the audio store where I was checking out the Rotel gear had the RB 1080 connected to a set of B&W speakers and I thought they lacked some detail thoughout the mid-bass range, otherwise they did sound good. After peeking at some of the B&W prices I concentrated soley on the Rotel stuff.

I have my Axioms running through a Rotel RSP-1066 and powered by a Rotel RMB-1075. Very nice combo.

I would have to agree with Spiff on the 603s. I found them a bit 'chesty' i think was the word i used.
The sound was not as smooth as Axioms or the B&W 703s.
I have never heard the Divas so i can't comment on how they might compare to Axiom.
But hey, if you like the sound of the 603s, by all means, that should be a speaker you will be happy with. Make the purchase.
If the price is bothersome, try to get to hear some Axioms.

Valid point. If you really love the sound of the 603's, then you'd likely NOT like the sound of the M60's anyway, so M40's or M50's would be a better choice from the axiom line.

ANYONE in the miami / Ft Lauderdale area with some M50, M60, or M80s that I can come hear????

Please?!!! :-)

Ok guys,

I want to thank all of you for your inputs and your thoughts....after long hours of research, reading, and several trips to local stores, not to mention countless hours in several forums including this one, I have put in the order for the following:

a pair of Swan 6.1 floorstanding speakers!!

here is some info on its performance numbers:
http://www.swanspeakers.com/product/htm/view.asp?id=199

I haven't heard them yet, but I was finally able to speak in person to a couple of people who have them (one who actually upgraded from the M50ti) and they swore by them.

at $900/pr, I cannot find anything at this price for what you get, and given that they have been compared to the M80ti, and to the B&W 704s, I have to believe they are a damn good bargain.

I will post a follow up when I recieve them, but I want to thank everyone again..

attractive speaker.. but i have to admit, i am not a big fan of the pimple tweeter. i just wanna reach up there and squeeze it between my thumbs.

but, congrats on your choice.. i sure hope they end up being everything you have hoped for.

bigjohn

Interesting look. Congrats.
What is their return policy should they not live up to your expectations?

BigJohn...you really do have an issue with touching speakers, don't you?

Swan speakers? It-a... looka-like-a tweeter.

My apologies to Alex Borstein.

Bren R.

Yeah, part of the reason I bought these was the look as well...speakers now days are form and function, so I didnt want just a brick there.

I sure hope they sound as good as people say...it will be interesting to see.

At the risk of being publicly tar'ed and feathered by some brand loyalists, you should also be looking at Rocket speakers. Especially if appearance is a factor for you. You can get a set of B stock 750’s for less than those Swans, and they are simply beautiful speakers with a known, outstanding customer service. If it were me, I’d seriously consider canceling your order and get a set. http://www.av123.com/products_category_brand.php?section=stock&brand=15

They also have some 550 B stock.

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i just wanna reach up there and squeeze it between my thumbs.

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jeez, between this and the port thing you need some professional help, brother! and i figured after some anniversary nookie you'd be all good!

p.s.-a belated congrats!!

yeah, i keep puttin my foot in my mouth about this whole port feeling/tweeter squeezin/woofer groupeing thing.

i swear, its totally innocent.. my M60's have never felt violated or abused. i am not on any 'speaker offenders' list. i have NEVER been charged with anything, and i should be considered innocent until proven guilty.

bigjohn

You may have been considered innocent, except for the fact that you keep confessing...

They're tweeters, not nipples. Woofers, not butt cheeks. Ports, not...well you get the idea.

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i am not on any 'speaker offenders' list

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now that is priceless!!

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At the risk of being publicly tar'ed and feathered by some brand loyalists, you should also be looking at Rocket speakers. Especially if appearance is a factor for you. You can get a set of B stock 750’s for less than those Swans, and they are simply beautiful speakers with a known, outstanding customer service. If it were me, I’d seriously consider canceling your order and get a set. http://www.av123.com/products_category_brand.php?section=stock&brand=15

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Don't be raining on his parade!

Congrats on the new speakers. They're beautiful! If they don't sound like what you want, you can always send them back, no? No worries then! Let us know when they arrive and what you think!

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Don't be raining on his parade!

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I have to agree. 90% of any hobby is the excitement about your purchase. He's just dropped a big bill on his purchase, let him enjoy them.

Bren R.

Ditto.
I'm intrigued by the transparent front cover - what is the purpose of that?

SORRRR-RY!! It certainly wasn’t my intent to piss in anyone’s sandbox. But common fella’s, you’ve got to admit that Swan’s are an un-known product, especially their customer support. And all of you know that AV is on par with Axiom with their customer support and product line, so I felt obligated to point him in that direction. Now, compare the 750’s to the Swan’s and honestly tell yourselves that they are both in the same league. You know you can’t. How will you feel if he buys Swan’s and they end up being crap and won’t stand behind their product??

Well at any rate, sorry again for throwing a wet blanket on anyone’s party.

In your appology for peeing in his sandbox, you decided to take a dump. Let it go man!

Btw...Swan's are a known brand. We're not talking Streem here.

The transparent grill looks cool. I'm guessing that is it's purpose...looking cool. (and of course to keep BigJohn's sausage fingers off the woofers!)

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Swan's are a known brand

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Correct. A forum member here (Spiroh) checked out the Swans before buying the M80s.He said they were indeed a beautiful looking speaker and they also sound quite good.I think ssabripo can feel comfortable knowing he got a quality product.

I maybe mistaken but aren't the speakers you show in the pics $1299 a pair.

If graphs mean anything it looks like the 5.2 may sound a bit like the M50ti, whereas the 6.1 graphs more like the M60ti. I'm curious to know what you think when you get them.

Mdrew,

I did consider Rockets, but frankly, I have heard mixed reviews about them...many Rocket Owners are just fanatical about them (which is good, and bad), while others don't undestand what the hoopla is all about. I must admit that I have not heard them in person, but they do look great as well.

One thing about the Rockets is that HomeTheaterHifi (Kris deering, in particular) sent me an email when I asked, and he told me that the Rockets were brighter than the Axioms and Swans, and given that the Swans are supposed to be brighter than B&W 704s already, then I doubt I can live with that level of brightness coming from a AV rx like mine which tends to be on the bright side anyway (Yamaha DSP-A1).

As for looks, I'm sorry man, but either you are really fanatical or you are blind....from a pure "looks" perspective, the 6.1s look waaaaaay better than the Rockets. Perhaps it is a personal matter, but the Swans have the B&W Nautilus look, where the Rockets are just an oval brick (no disrespect). I even showed these pics to some friends at work, and EVERY SINGLE ONE said the Swans look way better...again, it must be a personal preference:
vs



Anyway, when I get them, I will test them for 30 days....if I don't like them, I will certainly return them for either the M60ti or something else.

Happy Listening....

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Poster: wid
Subject: Re: Very Confused...need advice on Speaker upgrade
I maybe mistaken but aren't the speakers you show in the pics $1299 a pair.

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Yes, the Rosewood is $1299, but the Faux Cherry Black (same thing, except different Color) is $899...I couldn't find a big pic of it in my color, so I put that one instead

>>One thing about the Rockets is that HomeTheaterHifi (Kris deering, in particular) sent me an email when I asked, and he told me that the Rockets were brighter than the Axioms and Swans

Interesting. Most of the criticisms I have heard were that "Axioms are too bright and Rockets are too dull". The differences are actually pretty small AFAIK but I did think Rockets and Axioms were in different directions.

Anyways, we're all looking forward to your Swans arriving. I think they look at least as nice as the Rockets

The bottom is the black cherry finish,quite a differance in looks.

I think they're a great looking speaker! (I happen to really like that detached tweeter look)