swan m10 question

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FinalAura

[H]ard|Gawd
Joined
Jan 10, 2008
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Man, ive really been getting into audio lately, for some reason, but nothing excessive. After trying a 2.0 speaker set up with an onkyo amp.. my old, cheap $50 5.1 logitech system sounds really... ugly, so to say, though I did miss some of the bass. However, that died, and i now want to move on to some decent 2.1 speakers. I want it to have some bass, but nothing earth shattering. I'd just like to hear the lows. My onkyo system was really flat, but it sounded so clear to me, despite no bass, i preferred it over my logitechs.

So i've been reading a lot of threads here, and the speakers that have caught my interest are these swan m10's. They look absolutely beautiful, and from what I've read, they sound VERY good, and it has bass, though It may not be the best bass, its there, and thats pretty much what I want.

My questions, are these good for gaming? I don't really watch movies, but I do listen to mp3's and game. When I throw a grenade in counter-strike, will the bass make it sound like a grenade, or will it be totally flat? Again, i don't want my whole room to shake or anything, i just want some bass. Also, do these get moderately loud? Could I go downstairs and still hear them upstairs? I just want to know before I actually purchase these. I also want to put my soundcard to use..., they are not getting the love that they deserve. I want to make sure so I don't end up regretting like I do my recently purchased Koss SB40's.

Thanks for all the inputs.
 
I just bought the m10 earlier this month for use with my pc, paired with an x-fi prelude, and I must say it is sounds pretty fabulous. I don't think you should have a problem with the bass response of this setup, for games or music. It's no home theater sub, but for pc use, it definitely gets the job done. You can always make adjustments with the volume knob that controls the subwoofer volume and also with the volume control in windows as well, or with your x-fi sound card. As far as loudness, it can get really loud, but loud enough to hear from "downstairs", I don't know since it depends. However, at high volume levels, I don't hear any distortion. At about $100, they are an excellent value. I got them at ww.theaudioinsider.com, and if you don't like them, you can return them within the 30 day trial period. As for me, I'm keeping mine!
 
Thanks, I just bought them last night. I couldnt resist. They look so good, and from what ive read, sound incredible. I'm more of a black person, but the white on these looks so elegant... it was hard to pass this speaker set up.
 
Kudos to you for joining the swan club! Lol, seriously though, I hope to hear your thoughts on them when they come in (the good and the bad, if any). Other than that, I hope you have fun with 'em.
 
Will do!

Question: Will I be able to, later on, add a better sub to these swans? I'm just wondering of that option is available. If not, its fine. I'm not a huge bass person, I just want to know if its possible.

And they havnt shipped yet from audio insider :(. Its still processing. I want them now! Lol.
 
You could add a subwoofer by using a splitter to split the audio cable from your pc or wherever to both the subwoofer and the swans.

I am using a 2.1 setup that had crap for bass, so I opened up the 2.1 sub box and disconnected the subwoofer so it's not using any power, then split the left RCA cable to both the 2.1 setup and a separate 12" home theater subwoofer I had. Works great. I can post a picture if you're confused at all on what I just described :p

Now, if only there was a Swan D1080MKII club :(
I've been wanting to pull the trigger on a set of those for a while but can't really find anyone who has them.
 
FinalAura: let us know what you think about them once you get your Swans. I'd definitely like to know how the bass response (and overall sound) is on this sweet set of speakers. I'm debating on getting the M10s or the Klipsch Promedia 2.1s. I'm also wondering, like you, if the bass response is enough, especially in games. I'd like to be able to feel the bass in addition to hearing it. Don't care too much about bringing down the house or having a "boomy" bass. Moderation is key.
 
Phimp, a pic would be nice! I'm still a noobie at audio stuff s i'm not really sure whats up. But hey, thats why im posting right, to learn more =). I think i'd be afraid to open up my swans though...

P4, i'll keep you guys posted. I'm no audio expert, but i'll share whats up from my standpoint. I have high hopes for these speakers. My x-fi deserves better. I just gotta clear my desk and what not before they come! I was also gonna go for the promedia as I have heard many good things about them as well, but these swans were just so nice.
 
Man, if you REALLY want to "FEEL" the bass in games and music while at your pc, I totally recommend the guitammer buttkicker gamer. I got one at gogamer for about $70 a couple of months ago, and boy do you feel all the low frequency sounds. It kicks ass, literally! It would be a good complement to the m10, imo. The only caveat is that you have to live with a somewhat of a loud fan noise on the amp it comes with. Personally, I think the subwoofer on the m10 does a good job for my setup since I don't have the buttkicker on all the time, but then again, I'm not a super basshead. Though, I have a separate HT setup with a 8" velodyne sub for fun away from the pc, so it works out okay for me.
 
Lol, the buttkicker seems pretty crazy, haha. But at least I know have two options now for bass. I dont really need it, i just like having the option of being able to whenever, if the time does come.

Man... they still havn't shipped yet from theaudioinsider. Guess i'll have to wait til mid-late next week to get them, hopefully not longer than that.

I want to hide my logitechs already!
 
Phimp said:
Now, if only there was a Swan D1080MKII club :(
I've been wanting to pull the trigger on a set of those for a while but can't really find anyone who has them.
Click to expand...

Slight off-topic (D1080MKII):

While I can't complain *too much* as I scored them for $79.99 new at Newegg during the swans closeout, mine have a significant amount of idle noise. Like a buzz/hum. It's relatively quiet, but if your environment is quiet and your listening material is at a very quiet point, you can expect to hear it. The sound coming out of it is great, but I suspect my troubles with it are from the built in plate amp. And it pops when you turn it off... ugh.

Someone else who bought them on newegg (where I got mine) also mentioned the noise, but the item is no longer available there so you can't read it, apparently. I almost wonder if it was a bad batch, as Jon @ TAI recommends them over the M10s:
http://www.theaudioinsider.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=2747&sid=d7341fc9f69fbffe9783ce11bcd39e4c

I'm planning on eventually replacing mine with a decent budget amp and some DIY bookshelves, though, the noise is too much for me.

edit: caught the newegg user review in google cache:

Some guy name Chris who also bought Swans D1080MKII from Newegg said:
Reviewed By: Chris on 12/16/2007
Tech Level: high - Ownership: 1 week to 1 month

Pros: These really are an excellent value for the money, and I would give them 5 out of 5 on that basis. There is nothing from the big box computer stores in this price range that comes close--i've tried several brands. These don't have the muddy base that comes with similarly priced computer speaker systems. The clarity and detail is much sharper. However, I bought these as a second pair to use in a small office and the problem is I bought the M200 for my main office first. There is no comparison. The M200 sound much more clear, detailed, with better base (even without a subwoofer) than any other computer speakers I've ever heard. (By better base, I admit it is subjective, but I am not a fan of the boomy base that comes with certain speakers--the M200 have more resolution and clarity).

Cons: 1. The D1080MKII are not as sharp as the admittedly more expensive M200's. 2. There is a faint but noticeable hiss present all the time. I found this very annoying at low volume levels.

Other Thoughts: Go for the M200 if you can swing it.
Click to expand...
 
FinalAura said:
Phimp, a pic would be nice! I'm still a noobie at audio stuff s i'm not really sure whats up. But hey, thats why im posting right, to learn more =). I think i'd be afraid to open up my swans though...
Click to expand...
Oh no, don't worry, you wouldn't have to open up your precious Swans :p
I'll post pics later on tonight to give you an idea of how you would connect it. It's actually fairly simple.

MikeDeuce said:
Jon @ TAI recommends them over the M10s.
Click to expand...
Of course being that he works for TAI, he's going to recommend the higher priced speakers lol But ya, I've heard from a few people that they are worlds better than the M10's. I'd really like to see a picture of the back of them so I can know all of their inputs/connections but the only pic I found is of a Japanese model. If you could take a pic that would be AWESOME! lol

MikeDeuce said:
I'm planning on eventually replacing mine with a decent budget amp and some DIY bookshelves, though, the noise is too much for me.
Click to expand...
Would you be interested in selling them when you upgrade?
 
This is how you can connect a separate subwoofer to your Swans.

Buy a cheap RCA splitter and either buy or find a single RCA cable.
52680128zg8.jpg


Use the splitter to connect the single RCA cable to either the left or right RCA for the inputs.
18633726jm5.jpg


Connect the other end of the single RCA cable to the input for the Subwoofer.
24673312mv7.jpg
 
Phimp said:
I'd really like to see a picture of the back of them so I can know all of their inputs/connections but the only pic I found is of a Japanese model. If you could take a pic that would be AWESOME! lol

Would you be interested in selling them when you upgrade?
Click to expand...

Sure thing, it's pretty bare bones. Beware the crappy photo, just blind fired behind the speaker :)
http://ironvulva.com/temp/d1080mkii_back.jpg

Not sure I want to sell them, I might pull the plate amp and throw in some crossovers and try them that way, but I'll let you know if I come to a conclusion about that any time soon.
 
Whoa, that helps a lot phimp! Didnt think it was that easy, lol. So i just gotta buy some cables and thats it. Awesome. The PC Inputs would have a 3.5mm output on the other side to connec to PC, correct?
 
Hey Mike, I had the *exact* same complaint as you about the D1080MKII's. The idle noise drives me f'ing insane, and it's a lot of trouble to turn them off. I'm actually considering selling them like you are, and maybe getting some Insignia's and a T Amp. But damn... these Swans look and sound amazing =\
 
MikeDeuce said:
Sure thing, it's pretty bare bones. Beware the crappy photo, just blind fired behind the speaker :)
http://ironvulva.com/temp/d1080mkii_back.jpg
Click to expand...
Thanks for the picture! Makes a lot more sense now, I couldn't read the "Tweeter" & "Subwoofer" tables for the audio output in the Japanese photo so I couldn't figure out why the heck there would be two outputs! lol


FinalAura said:
Whoa, that helps a lot phimp! Didnt think it was that easy, lol. So i just gotta buy some cables and thats it. Awesome. The PC Inputs would have a 3.5mm output on the other side to connec to PC, correct?
Click to expand...
No problem.

For connecting the PC audio out to the Swans
You need a cable/combination that will give you 3.5mm stereo jack on one end, and a left and right RCA on the other end.
(3.5mm to rca cable) -or- (3.5mm to RCA adapter & Standard RCA cables)
I would use the 2nd method.
Most 2.1 speaker setups have a 3.5mm stereo jack for input, but the Swans use stereo RCA's, so that's why you need to go from 3.5mm to RCA. But that makes it easier since you'll need it to be RCA to easily split the input to the subwoofer.

For connecting the Subwoofer
Single RCA (or if you have one, just use a stereo RCA with 2 cables and only connect one of them :p)
RCA Splitter (not the same as the one in the picture I took, but does the same thing )

The swan M10's might come with an audio cable (3.5mm to RCA), so I'd wait till you get them so you can see what cables you need to buy from there.


CountChoculaBot said:
Hey Mike, I had the *exact* same complaint as you about the D1080MKII's. The idle noise drives me f'ing insane, and it's a lot of trouble to turn them off. I'm actually considering selling them like you are, and maybe getting some Insignia's and a T Amp. But damn... these Swans look and sound amazing =\
Click to expand...
If you are looking to sell, let me know ;)
But just how loud is this idle humming?
And does it get louder as you turn the volume up? Or is it at a constant level of annoyingness?
 
Phimp said:
For connecting the PC audio out to the SwansYou need a cable/combination that will give you 3.5mm stereo jack on one end, and a left and right RCA on the other end.
(3.5mm to rca cable) -or- (3.5mm to RCA adapter & Standard RCA cables)
I would use the 2nd method.
Most 2.1 speaker setups have a 3.5mm stereo jack for input, but the Swans use stereo RCA's, so that's why you need to go from 3.5mm to RCA. But that makes it easier since you'll need it to be RCA to easily split the input to the subwoofer.
Click to expand...

Good stuff. Well, I bought the cable for method one at the same time i placed the order for the speakers, which btw has not shipped yet, but hopefully by monday... Anyhow, is method 2 better for sound or something? Thanks for all the info man. Getting a lot of things cleared :D.
 
FinalAura said:
Anyhow, is method 2 better for sound or something? Thanks for all the info man. Getting a lot of things cleared :D.
Click to expand...
No, it's not any better for sound, but people usually have extra RCA stereo cables laying around so it's easier to just buy the adapter, it would be easier to find different lengths of an RCA cable, and it's also more likely that you'll re-use an RCA cable, than you are to reuse a 3.5mm stereo to RCA cable :p

So don't worry, you'll be fine.

If you decide to use a separate Subwoofer, you just need to pick up an RCA splitter and an extra RCA cable.
 
Thanks again.

I don't plan on getting a sub anytime soon, but if the time ever comes, I'll know how to connect it now. Woot.
 
p4gs said:
FinalAura: let us know what you think about them once you get your Swans. I'd definitely like to know how the bass response (and overall sound) is on this sweet set of speakers. I'm debating on getting the M10s or the Klipsch Promedia 2.1s. I'm also wondering, like you, if the bass response is enough, especially in games. I'd like to be able to feel the bass in addition to hearing it. Don't care too much about bringing down the house or having a "boomy" bass. Moderation is key.
Click to expand...

When I first purchased the M10s, I was slightly dismayed at the lack of 'oomph.' While these sound beautiful as far as nearfield goes, steping back a few feet or off to the side definitely hurts the sound a bit. For a little while I considered selling the M10s and purchasing the Promedias instead, but after listening to them, I almost got stomach ulcers.

Sure the promedias are loud, but that's about it. Especially at higher volumes, the distortion is outofcontrol.
 
Lol, good thing I didn't go for the pro medias.
I still have high expectations for the swans.
 
well, at least I can do the try-and-buy thing with the swans and return them if I don't find the bass to be substantial enough. i don't expect to listen to them from a few feet back or from different angles, so i should be good too.
 
I just got them today! I'm FULLY satisfied with these!

When i opened up the box, the speaker cables had white paint on them... I dont know if thats normal production, or if it shows theyre used. Anyhow, the speakers themselves look beautiful, and dont look used at all, so I guess i'm good. The white contrast on the black looks so nice, and the swan on the speaker just look so nice. I'm aesthetically pleased.

As for the sound, these sound VERY GOOD. From a typical gamer/mp3 listener standpoint, these blow away my old logitech 5.1 system. Everything sounds much more clear and crisp, especially vocals. I thought my logitechs sounded pretty clear... but after hearing these, I found out what I was missing out on. They can get pretty loud as well. My system volume is at 50% and the swans are at 50% as well, and its pretty loud already.

As for the bass response, its REALLY GOOD too. I'm not a bass head, but the bass is definitely there. I can even feel the floor vibrate every now and then, and my sub is on my desk! They work well for counter-strike, and COD4. Explosions do have that boom. Actually, while playing cod4, I feel a whoooosh after i shoot bullets, like its coming from behind me. It sounds pretty crazy! The bass volume on the back isn't even up all the way, its just moved a notch. Not even half way! I'm more than satisfied with the bass response. I think I should give credit to my soundcard too, for it sounding so nice and clear.

I noticed one thing. Since these speakers lay on my desk, while sitting on my chair, my ears are normally higher than the speakers output. However when I slouched back unintentionallyand had my ear level with the speakers, they sound way better! I wish I had stands!, but unfortunately I don't. I googled for speaker stands, but they cost way too much! If anyone knows where I could get 2 speaker stands for ~$20 or less, that aren't complete crap, let me know =).

Oh yeah, the package comes with the cable you need to connect these to your computer, so don't be like me and spend $3 on the cable at monoprice, lol. Also comes with gloves so you don't get fingerprints all over the speakers. Awesome.

I'm happy. I spent my money's worth =).
 
welp...looks like i'm buying these :)

thanks, aura. can't wait to try them out with cs:s and cod4 as well.
 
You won't regret it! I love these.

Try to get them ear level though. They just sound so much better.
 
yeah, I keep reading about the difference it makes. Thankfully, the desk I bought for my apartment at college is fairly short, so I'm basically at ear level when I'm sitting in my chair (which is retracted all the way down) and when I lean back, I am right at ear level. The only problem is I don't have much desk space, so the sub is going on the floor...but from what you've said, I don't think it should be a problem (especially since I can turn it up if I have to). thankfully i'm not too much of a basshead either.

sweeeeeeeeet!
 
It comes with interconnects you need to plug into the 3.5mm of your system. If you want your music to sound "accurate" this is the system. If you want your music to sound boomy the Logi 2.1 are the ones to go with. It all depends on your purpose and music genre.
 
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