Ascends or Swans???

[Soundman]

Ok, some of you may already know I've been posting about speaker options for a while now, and had pretty much decided on the Ascends, untill I saw thw Swans. The Ascend package I checked out comes with the 340SE's as mains, the 340SEM center, and 170SE for surrounds. The Swan package comes with the Swan Diva 5.1bc towers as mains, the Swan Diva C3 center, and the Swan Diva R2 for surrounds. These two packages are almost identical in price. I think the Swans are about $45 more, but they look a lot prettier then the Ascends. So, my question, of course, is has anyone heard both of these systems, and if so, how do they compare? From what I've heard, they both seem to be a pretty good value, but for mostly HT, what would you recommend? Oh, I plan on getting an SVS sub as well. Thanks in advance for any insight. All opinions are welcome.

 

[Soundman]

Ok, some of you may already know I've been posting about speaker options for a while now, and had pretty much decided on the Ascends, untill I saw thw Swans. The Ascend package I checked out comes with the 340SE's as mains, the 340SEM center, and 170SE for surrounds. The Swan package comes with the Swan Diva 5.1bc towers as mains, the Swan Diva C3 center, and the Swan Diva R2 for surrounds. These two packages are almost identical in price. I think the Swans are about $45 more, but they look a lot prettier then the Ascends. So, my question, of course, is has anyone heard both of these systems, and if so, how do they compare? From what I've heard, they both seem to be a pretty good value, but for mostly HT, what would you recommend? Oh, I plan on getting an SVS sub as well. Thanks in advance for any insight. All opinions are welcome.

Oh, I forgot to mention, my room is 16x16 with vaulted ceiling to about 12 feet, and I'll be driving them with th Emotiva HT combo/ LMCA-1/LPA-1

 

[rnatalli]

I heard some Ascend speakers recently and felt they were absolutely wonderful for music, but I wasn't as blown away for HT although they were still quite good. Haven't heard Swans so can't offer any insight there. But have heard SVS subs and they're a great choice.

 

[mazersteven]

If I where you. I would purchase a pair of B-stock Ascend 340's and the Swan 5.1's and audition both at home. It will cost you about $40-$100 bucks to ship them back if you don't like them. But I wouldn't even do that. I bet you could post them for sale on audiogon, e-bay, or craigslist and sell them for what you paid or very close without much loss.

 

[j_garcia]

Based on what I have heard, the Swans will be a little softer/warmer. The Ascends are more neutral, so the two probably won't sound quite that similar to one another, so you should try to hear both before you choose. I have heard the exact Ascend package you are talking about with a VTF-3 Mk2 and I felt it did well with both music and movies.

 

[Soundman]

I heard some Ascend speakers recently and felt they were absolutely wonderful for music, but I wasn't as blown away for HT although they were still quite good. Haven't heard Swans so can't offer any insight there. But have heard SVS subs and they're a great choice.

When you say, ..."weren't blown away", what do yo mean? Since this is mainly a HT setup, I do want to make sure that department is covered.

 

[Soundman]

If I where you. I would purchase a pair of B-stock Ascend 340's and the Swan 5.1's and audition both at home. It will cost you about $40-$100 bucks to ship them back if you don't like them. But I wouldn't even do that. I bet you could post them for sale on audiogon, e-bay, or craigslist and sell them for what you paid or very close without much loss.

I had a feeling you'd chime in, Mazer. I really don't like having to purchase and then return or sell. I see your point though. Guess it's the only way to truley know, but I hate returning things. I just thought someone may have heard both and could get some ideas. Also, when I saw the original price of the Swans at $1,049 now slashed to $549, I couldn't help but take a look at the value there....not to mention the nicer finish.

 

[rnatalli]

When you say, ..."weren't blown away", what do yo mean? Since this is mainly a HT setup, I do want to make sure that department is covered.

Just that speakers that are neutral to bright generally sound better for HT purposes. The Ascends sounded a touch too warm to me. However, if j_garcia is correct saying the Swans are warmer, that's more reason to go with the Ascends over them especially for HT.

 

[Soundman]

Just that speakers that are neutral to bright generally sound better for HT purposes. The Ascends sounded a touch too warm to me. However, if j_garcia is correct saying the Swans are warmer, that's more reason to go with the Ascends over them especially for HT.

Awww, I see. I wish the Ascends had some more finish options though. Do you know of others in the price range that would be good for HT?

 

[mazersteven]

Based on what I have heard, the Swans will be a little softer/warmer.

From what I understand Swans are a little brighter then the AV123 Rockets.

 

[Gov]

While I have not heard the Swans, I can tell you the Ascend 340's are everything you have read about them. They are truely a huge bargain especially now since the Sierra's have been released.

 

[mazersteven]

Awww, I see. I wish the Ascends had some more finish options though. Do you know of others in the price range that would be good for HT?

Be the first kid on your block with these

http://www.svsound.com/news-news.cfm

MBS-01: Mid-sized Bookshelf Speaker
Single wide-flare port. ScanSpeak D-3004 AirCirc neo tweeter with custom Peerless 6 ½” woofer.

 

[mazersteven]

O the confusion.

http://www.audioc.com/speakers1/emeraldxl/emeraldxl.htm

 

[rnatalli]

Honestly, the Ascends are worth listening to. They're a great speaker. They were your original thought and definitely a good one.

 

[Soundman]

O the confusion.

http://www.audioc.com/speakers1/emeraldxl/emeraldxl.htm

Nice Mazer! The confusion continues.

 

[Soundman]

Just that speakers that are neutral to bright generally sound better for HT purposes. The Ascends sounded a touch too warm to me. However, if j_garcia is correct saying the Swans are warmer, that's more reason to go with the Ascends over them especially for HT.

If that's the case, then I wonder if Axioms, say the epic 60 package, is a better choice? Most say these are more on the bright side, but some people love them and say they are detailed and dynamic, which, from what you are saying, should sound great in a HT environment. Thoughts?

 

[Soundman]

...meaning M22's

 

[mazersteven]

Nice Mazer! The confusion continues.

Soundman

PM this guy and ask his thoughts about the Emerald XL. He is auditioning them right now as we speak.

http://forums.soundandvisionmag.com/audiovideo/profile?user.id=4297

 

[rnatalli]

I just recommended Axioms to my cousin who plans to do about 60 HT/40 Music. The Axioms I've heard are pretty neutral to bright. They're great speakers that play pretty loud as well. Why not order a pair of Axioms and a pair of Ascends and see what you prefer? Return the losers and buy the rest of the speakers. They're both internet companies and both have good return policies. These two sound different and only your ear will tell you what you like.

 

[Soundman]

I just recommended Axioms to my cousin who plans to do about 60 HT/40 Music. The Axioms I've heard are pretty neutral to bright. They're great speakers that play pretty loud as well. Why not order a pair of Axioms and a pair of Ascends and see what you prefer? Return the losers and buy the rest of the speakers. They're both internet companies and both have good return policies. These two sound different and only your ear will tell you what you like.

I know. You are probably right, but I hate having to return them and pay shipping back. But might be the only way to know, unless I can get a local audition.