Anyone have thoughts about Swan Diva 6.1's?

[Savage40]

Swan Diva 6.1

These speakers seem to be a good quality speaker at a great price right now, just curious how they would stand up to the Aperion Verus Grand Towers or Salks in a home theater setting used for 80% movies and 20% music.

 

[Nuance AH]

Swan Diva 6.1

These speakers seem to be a good quality speaker at a great price right now, just curious how they would stand up to the Aperion Verus Grand Towers or Salks in a home theater setting used for 80% movies and 20% music.

I've heard all three but judged them based on music, not movies. Looking at the specs it would seem the Aperion's are the most sensitive, followed by the Swan's and then the Salk's. The difference between the latter is probably negligible, though (only 1dB), especially since Salk rates conservatively. For music I'd rate them as follows:

1. Salk
2. Aperion
3. Swan

The Aperion's and Swan's both have their strengths and weaknesses with music IMO, while the Salk's outclass them in every category based on sound quality to my ears. Also, the Aperion's didn't easily outclass the Swan's, for what it's worth. However, since this is mainly for HT and sensitivity plays a role (depending on room size and how loud you listen), the Aperion's might be the best bet, especially since they'll pay shipping both ways if you decide to return them within 30 days.

In short, since you seem to lean more towards HT, get the Aperion's if it's a largish room and you listen loudly; their center channel is also a monster. However, if you're concerned with musical accuracy and overall clarity, get the Salk's (they do HT just fine at my listening levels, by the way). YMMV, of course, so try to listen to ANY speaker before buying it.

 

[zieglj01]

Swan Diva 6.1

These speakers seem to be a good quality speaker at a great price right now, just curious how they would stand up to the Aperion Verus Grand Towers or Salks in a home theater setting used for 80% movies and 20% music.

You are still new to all this - you really need to find a way to audition
some stuff, and find the sound character that you like. You have a
nice budget to work with. Also, if you can make one main thread, it
would be easier to follow and make suggestions.

 

[Savage40]

You are still new to all this - you really need to find a way to audition
some stuff, and find the sound character that you like. You have a
nice budget to work with. Also, if you can make one main thread, it
would be easier to follow and make suggestions.

Sorry, you are correct. I have made 3 different threads, although I felt I was asking different questions, it is all related to setting up my HT. I will refrain from making additional threads regarding the same issue.

So far I have auditioned Paradigm, Boston & B&W and was not sold on any of those. B&W was probably my favorite, but they seem pretty shrill at the high end, although it could have been the way they had them being driven or setup at Bestbuy.

 

[zieglj01]

So far I have auditioned Paradigm, Boston & B&W and was not sold on any of those. B&W was probably my favorite, but they seem pretty shrill at the high end, although it could have been the way they had them being driven or setup at Bestbuy.

What Boston speakers did you audition - the RS series? And what
Paradigm speakers?

You can always buy a pair of Aperion, or Swan bookshelves to check
out their sound - they have a return policy. If you want to mess with
repacking towers - then order towers instead of bookshelves.

Check and see, if there are some Salk owners in your area
Owners Audition list.

 

[Nuance AH]

What Boston speakers did you audition - the RS series? And what
Paradigm speakers?

You can always buy a pair of Aperion, or Swan bookshelves to check
out their sound - they have a return policy. If you want to mess with
repacking towers - then order towers instead of bookshelves.

Check and see, if there are some Salk owners in your area
Owners Audition list.

Salk also offers a trial period of 30-days provided you order a standard veneer (I think they offer six choices), for what it's worth.

 

[zieglj01]

Salk also offers a trial period of 30-days provided you order a standard veneer (I think they offer six choices), for what it's worth.

I forgot about that.

Do you offer an in-home trial period?
On lower priced models with a standard finish, we offer a 30-day in-home trial period. You can feel free to return the speakers within 30 days, in new condition, for a refund in the event they do not perform to your satisfaction.

 

[Savage40]

What Boston speakers did you audition - the RS series? And what
Paradigm speakers?

You can always buy a pair of Aperion, or Swan bookshelves to check
out their sound - they have a return policy. If you want to mess with
repacking towers - then order towers instead of bookshelves.

Check and see, if there are some Salk owners in your area
Owners Audition list.

I was able to test drive the Boston Acoustic RS326 from the Reflection series. For Paradigm, I spent a few hours with the Studio 60's. They were both pretty nice, but just didn't grab me by the collar and make me want to own them, does that make sense or am I just too picky? lol

 

[Nuance AH]

They were both pretty nice, but just didn't grab me by the collar and make me want to own them, does that make sense or am I just too picky? lol

That doesn't make you too picky at all. A man who knows what he's looking for is one that will find it quicker. Kudos to you.

 

[kini]

I've heard all three but judged them based on music, not movies. Looking at the specs it would seem the Aperion's are the most sensitive, followed by the Swan's and then the Salk's. The difference between the latter is probably negligible, though (only 1dB), especially since Salk rates conservatively. For music I'd rate them as follows:

1. Salk
2. Aperion
3. Swan

The Aperion's and Swan's both have their strengths and weaknesses with music IMO, while the Salk's outclass them in every category based on sound quality to my ears. Also, the Aperion's didn't easily outclass the Swan's, for what it's worth. However, since this is mainly for HT and sensitivity plays a role (depending on room size and how loud you listen), the Aperion's might be the best bet, especially since they'll pay shipping both ways if you decide to return them within 30 days.

In short, since you seem to lean more towards HT, get the Aperion's if it's a largish room and you listen loudly; their center channel is also a monster. However, if you're concerned with musical accuracy and overall clarity, get the Salk's (they do HT just fine at my listening levels, by the way). YMMV, of course, so try to listen to ANY speaker before buying it.

I too have looking at the Swan's, so thanks.

But to put things in perspective the Swans are about half the price of the Aperions and I'm guessing less than half the price of the Salks (5.0 set).

Gene

 

[zieglj01]

I was able to test drive the Boston Acoustic RS326 from the Reflection series. For Paradigm, I spent a few hours with the Studio 60's. They were both pretty nice, but just didn't grab me by the collar and make me want to own them, does that make sense or am I just too picky? lol

We who love and want good audio, will always be picky - you do
not want buyer's remorse, life is short - enjoy the adventure!

 

[Nomo]

I've heard all three but judged them based on music, not movies. Looking at the specs it would seem the Aperion's are the most sensitive, followed by the Swan's and then the Salk's. The difference between the latter is probably negligible, though (only 1dB), especially since Salk rates conservatively. For music I'd rate them as follows:

1. Salk
2. Aperion
3. Swan

The Aperion's and Swan's both have their strengths and weaknesses with music IMO, while the Salk's outclass them in every category based on sound quality to my ears. Also, the Aperion's didn't easily outclass the Swan's, for what it's worth. However, since this is mainly for HT and sensitivity plays a role (depending on room size and how loud you listen), the Aperion's might be the best bet, especially since they'll pay shipping both ways if you decide to return them within 30 days.

In short, since you seem to lean more towards HT, get the Aperion's if it's a largish room and you listen loudly; their center channel is also a monster. However, if you're concerned with musical accuracy and overall clarity, get the Salk's (they do HT just fine at my listening levels, by the way). YMMV, of course, so try to listen to ANY speaker before buying it.

I too have looking at the Swan's, so thanks.

But to put things in perspective the Swans are about half the price of the Aperions and I'm guessing less than half the price of the Salks (5.0 set).

Gene

Pretty good point.
Just using the front speakers as an example:
The Swans can be had for under $1000 plus shipping. ($100 for me)($200 to send them back)
Aperions. $1800.
Salks $2000.

Add to that the matching center:
$400 for the Swan.
$600(?) for the Salk.
$700 for the Aperion.

Not really the same playing field when you do the math.

It all comes down to cost vs performance. Depending on budget.

 

[Nuance AH]

Don't forget guys, the Swans sold for significantly more when I first heard a pair of SongTower's. Also, with audio you don't always get what you pay for, so be careful.

 

[Nomo]

Don't forget guys, the Swans sold for significantly more when I first heard a pair of SongTower's. Also, with audio you don't always get what you pay for, so be careful.

I'm confused:
I'm presuming that your comparision between the Swans and Salks, given the timeframe and cost within that time, was an apples to apples one.

You chose the Salks. And I have no doubt that they are the superior product.

Yet, the fact is, the Swans are half the price of the Salks today.

Are you suggesting that the reason for the price drop in the Swans is due to a lack in comparative quality?

Not trying to start a pissing match here.
To the contrary. Given the reviews in your sig; I have a great deal of respect for your opinion.

But you post seems to contradict itself.

 

[Nuance AH]

I'm confused:
I'm presuming that your comparision between the Swans and Salks, given the timeframe and cost within that time, was an apples to apples one.

You chose the Salks. And I have no doubt that they are the superior product.

Yet, the fact is, the Swans are half the price of the Salks today.

Are you suggesting that the reason for the price drop in the Swans is due to a lack in comparative quality?

Not trying to start a pissing match here.
To the contrary. Given the reviews in your sig; I have a great deal of respect for your opinion.

But you post seems to contradict itself.

I am sorry for the confusion; didn't mean to contradict myself, because yes, I heard the two speakers on the same day in the same system. The Salk's were clearly better, but that's not to say the Swans are bad by any means. At the time of that listening session the SongTowers were new and offered for right around $1500/pair introduction price; I believe the price of the Swans at that time was closer to that. Since then they've slowly been reduced to their current price; I have my theories why.

Anyway, maybe you're right: a different league the Salk's are, but I do think the Swans were overpriced back then, as were the Rockets from AV123 (they were $500 more than the SongTowers and Divas). That's simply what I meant by you don't always get what you pay for in audio. Based on the Swans current price I deduct others felt the same way so they were reduced to more accurately reflect their performance. I mean no offense to.Swan owners; decent speakers for their current asking price (key word is current ).

Thanks for the kind words, by the way. You're too kind. I apologize for the confusion.