Swan M10s

[DEE9299]

So after weeks of going back and forth....I finally bought a set but not from audio insider...... for all those interested they are great looking and sound great and I am sure they will get better with use...and I bought them for now here is the good news I paid $ 85.00 ,,,,thats right $85 and I bought them locally to from another company that sells them in tampa florida here is the info.

Swans Home Theater
15461 N. Dale Mabry Hwy.
Tampa, FL. 33618
Southeast US Distributor
Home Theater and custom installation speakers
Tel: 813-908-6500 www.swanshometheater.com
Fax: 813-908-6567

the guy is named larry and yes he does have them in stock

also didnt know if I could or should post info like this on here...?

[jessica.]

Well that is good news. I'm interested in seeing how you wall mount the sub, if that is what you end up doing.

[DEE9299]

jessica working on that as we speak......

[buzzbuzzbuzz]

You have to be kidding me...
Why was this not posted 10 days ago? My order from The Audio Insider is in FedEx's hands, and even if I were to return it now I would end up paying some $30 in shipping fees to save about $30 on this guy's price.
This is what I get for mulling over the decision to buy these for 9 months... :o


Hope the speakers are treating you well. I'll be receiving mine on Monday...
Post some pics of how you set them up!

[DEE9299]

You have to be kidding me...
Why was this not posted 10 days ago? My order from The Audio Insider is in FedEx's hands, and even if I were to return it now I would end up paying some $30 in shipping fees to save about $30 on this guy's price.
This is what I get for mulling over the decision to buy these for 9 months... :o


Hope the speakers are treating you well. I'll be receiving mine on Monday...
Post some pics of how you set them up!

I almost ordered from audioinsider myself today then I did some online digging and found out that there are alot of dealers in the us that sell them it just so happens the guy i found is only 20 minutes away from my house

[steve knight]

I had to wait two weeks. a day after I order I get a tracking number. when it did not show I checked the fedex number and it was not delivered to me but to another state. I called and they good and sent me the wrong tracking number. Of course they were all out and I had to wait till they were in stock again.

[Fozzybadfeet]

Wow, you found a great deal on the speakers. I received my set on Monday and have been listening to all different kinds of genre's of music so far. I like the speakers and the sound IMO is real good.

[DEE9299]

i guess it payed off for me doing a little more research

[RaceTripper]

My Swan M10s arrived yesterday. They are satisfactory for my use and no less crappy than any other set of computer speakers I've heard. I use them with my uMBP and a PS3 that are both hooked up to a Dell 3008WFP.

[DEE9299]

I am happy with them so far although I am trying to take the face plates off to paint them an aluminum color like the macs

[thegoldenmackid]

I highly recommend letting (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=776101) them burn-in for around 75 hours.

[DEE9299]

I highly recommend letting (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=776101) them burn-in for around 75 hours.

i will thanks for your help

[gfhoward]

Just received and set up my M-10s. What's up with the shielding on these things?! I'm getting major radio interference, and they're not even connected to a signal source, just plugged in to the AC outlet! I suspect it's my old NuTone intercom system causing the interference, but I've never had this problem with any other speaker set. What do you guys think?

[jessica.]

Just received and set up my M-10s. What's up with the shielding on these things?! I'm getting major radio interference, and they're not even connected to a signal source, just plugged in to the AC outlet! I suspect it's my old NuTone intercom system causing the interference, but I've never had this problem with any other speaker set. What do you guys think?

Umm I do not have this issue, they're always on, connected to a MP and surge protector, and my phone is right next to them.

[DEE9299]

no problems here i have a cordless phone right near as well as my cell phone to

[Xavier]

I love my Swan M10's

They are very directional

[Fozzybadfeet]

Just received and set up my M-10s. What's up with the shielding on these things?! I'm getting major radio interference, and they're not even connected to a signal source, just plugged in to the AC outlet! I suspect it's my old NuTone intercom system causing the interference, but I've never had this problem with any other speaker set. What do you guys think?

I don't have any problems with mine either.

[gfhoward]

OK. Well I read that computer speakers are usually not shielded very well, especially those with plastic cases. I'm working on a power line filter which should help. I'll report back

[nyguy4u]

OK. Well I read that computer speakers are usually not shielded very well, especially those with plastic cases. I'm working on a power line filter which should help. I'll report back

I touched upon this on another thread that ended up being closed. The speakers look good, but in reality.. they are made in china, with cheap plastic, with a 65% mark up in price. Shielding is somewhat of an issue with this speaker set, as I said in the other thread. Some people experience it, some people don't. Chance you have to take for buying these things. I personally hate the Swan M10's, and don't recommend them. Swan's upper level stuff is pretty decent, but the M10's are their entry level products. It's junk.

[steve knight]

I touched upon this on another thread that ended up being closed. The speakers look good, but in reality.. they are made in china, with cheap plastic, with a 65% mark up in price. Shielding is somewhat of an issue with this speaker set, as I said in the other thread. Some people experience it, some people don't. Chance you have to take for buying these things. I personally hate the Swan M10's, and don't recommend them. Swan's upper level stuff is pretty decent, but the M10's are their entry level products. It's junk.

they sound decent for their price. of course they are not great what do you expect for 100.00 if you want really good sound you need to pay for it.

[thegoldenmackid]

they sound decent for their price. of course they are not great what do you expect for 100.00 if you want really good sound you need to pay for it.

Don't start this again. The discussion is fruitless and led to the other thread being closed.

[Wee Beastie]

I hope that NEITHER of you start this again—nyguy4u's post did not necessitate a reply. We've heard both of your thoughts on these speakers. You both have had more than your say. I am personally more interested in hearing what other users think. This thread was actually starting to be a little bit useful.

With respect to both of you, whose opinions I have read (and learned from) while lurking on this forum, I hope you will please let this one die and just accept that the other has a differing opinion. It only takes one person to end this—one of you PLEASE be the bigger person.

[DEE9299]

I hope that NEITHER of you start this again—nyguy4u's post did not necessitate a reply. We've heard both of your thoughts on these speakers. You both have had more than your say. I am personally more interested in hearing what other users think. This thread was actually starting to be a little bit useful.

With respect to both of you, whose opinions I have read (and learned from) while lurking on this forum, I hope you will please let this one die and just accept that the other has a differing opinion. It only takes one person to end this—one of you PLEASE be the bigger person.

well said they both had valid points but these speakers sound good listening to music and watching a movie. i am happy that I got these and for $85.00 you can not go wrong.....

[jessica.]

I hope that NEITHER of you start this again—nyguy4u's post did not necessitate a reply. We've heard both of your thoughts on these speakers. You both have had more than your say. I am personally more interested in hearing what other users think. This thread was actually starting to be a little bit useful.

With respect to both of you, whose opinions I have read (and learned from) while lurking on this forum, I hope you will please let this one die and just accept that the other has a differing opinion. It only takes one person to end this—one of you PLEASE be the bigger person.
Good call. I figure neither can be the bigger person so they joined my ignore list. It's a pissing match.

DEE9299 did you wall mount your sub yet?

[steve knight]

I never meant to get things going. there will always be complaints and supporters of almost anything.

[tkermit]

I love my Swan M10's

They are very directional

Excuse me for asking, but what does that mean?

[thegoldenmackid]

Excuse me for asking, but what does that mean?

It means that the sound is..well...directional. When it is said that it is "directional" it means that the speakers are almost pointed similar to a flashlight and the sound is heard best at very specific points. Speakers less directional would function much like a floodlight, where the sound flows throughout the space.

[Crantastic]

Hey guys, I have a bit of an odd issue. I got my Swans M10 today and hooked them up. The audio cables are odd colors... although the jacks on the back of the woofer are the standard red and white, the audio cables are yellowish-orange and red (I gather this is the same for everyone (http://themacfeed.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_7035-full.jpg)). I plugged the red into red and yellowish-orange into white, and everything works fine, but the sound intended for the left speaker is coming out the speaker plugged into the side marked "R," and vice versa.

I can either just switch the speakers to opposite sides of the desk -- which means the one in the "R" jack is on the left side of the desk and the "L" one is on the right side... or I can plug the red cable into the white jack and the yellow-orange cable into the red jack, in which case the sound comes out of the "correct" speakers. Does it make any difference (in sound quality or anything else) which I do?

[tkermit]

It means that the sound is..well...directional. When it is said that it is "directional" it means that the speakers are almost pointed similar to a flashlight and the sound is heard best at very specific points. Speakers less directional would function much like a floodlight, where the sound flows throughout the space.

Thanks for the explanation. I thought that it might mean that you are presented with a narrow stage where it is easy to spot the location of the speakers (which seems like a negative). So I suppose that what you describe goes along with the improved ability to locate instruments in space as well as enhanced separation between them?

[thegoldenmackid]

Hey guys, I have a bit of an odd issue. I got my Swans M10 today and hooked them up. The audio cables are odd colors... although the jacks on the back of the woofer are the standard red and white, the audio cables are yellowish-orange and red (I gather this is the same for everyone (http://themacfeed.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_7035-full.jpg)). I plugged the red into red and yellowish-orange into white, and everything works fine, but the sound intended for the left speaker is coming out the speaker plugged into the side marked "R," and vice versa.

I can either just switch the speakers to opposite sides of the desk -- which means the one in the "R" jack is on the left side of the desk and the "L" one is on the right side... or I can plug the red cable into the white jack and the yellow-orange cable into the red jack, in which case the sound comes out of the "correct" speakers. Does it make any difference (in sound quality or anything else) which I do?

It's not going to matter one bit.

[buzzbuzzbuzz]

Hey guys, I have a bit of an odd issue. I got my Swans M10 today and hooked them up. The audio cables are odd colors... although the jacks on the back of the woofer are the standard red and white, the audio cables are yellowish-orange and red (I gather this is the same for everyone (http://themacfeed.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_7035-full.jpg)). I plugged the red into red and yellowish-orange into white, and everything works fine, but the sound intended for the left speaker is coming out the speaker plugged into the side marked "R," and vice versa.

I can either just switch the speakers to opposite sides of the desk -- which means the one in the "R" jack is on the left side of the desk and the "L" one is on the right side... or I can plug the red cable into the white jack and the yellow-orange cable into the red jack, in which case the sound comes out of the "correct" speakers. Does it make any difference (in sound quality or anything else) which I do?

Wow--good catch.
I actually just got my pair today as well, and I confirmed that I have the same issue you're talking about. However, it's not an issue with the speakers; it's the supplied 3.5mm to RCA cable. I just switched it out with another one I had around the house and the other cable had the correct L/R channels. So you should technically switch the RCAs for your input, not the speakers.

So far I'm definitely impressed with the sound quality, but the build seems slightly mediocre. My left satellite does not sit quite flat, but it only wobbles if you touch it. The bigger problem seems to be with interference. I've heard GSM chirp already, and earlier my speakers were picking up a radio station. Granted the tower is literally less than half a mile from where I am, but I would expect the speakers to be better shielded than that. I feel like that might be related to the skimpy and mismatched 3.5mm to RCA that was provided, but the GSM chirp worries me that it's internal...
After messing with positioning, I seem to have knocked something in place because now I can only hear the faintest of a hum if I put my ear right next to one of the satellites.

I'm going to give it some more time before reaching a conclusion and if necessary contacting TheAudioInsider. I'm already considering that a new 3.5 to RCA (http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10218&cs_id=1021804&p_id=5598&seq=1&format=2) might be a good investment to cut down on interference. Wish I could also replace the RCAs coming from the satellites, but I knew ahead of time that they were permanently attached.


To be clear though, I'm still very happy overall with the purchase, but a little biffed about the interference and this reversed cable. I do wish I had also only paid $85, but that's another story...

update 12/2: all issues with interference, hum, and radio seem to have magically disappeared. Perhaps running them for a few hours affected something. There is usually a decent pop when shutting them on or off, which I assume is a capacitor discharging. It's usually quieter if the volume is turned down. Two days in I'm happier than when I first got them.

[Crantastic]

Thanks, buzzbuzzbuzz! I didn't even think that it might be an issue with the input cable. I'll pick a new one up tomorrow. That's sort of annoying, but at least it's an easy and cheap fix.

I haven't had any issues with interference so far, and I can't hear a thing from the speakers when they're on and idle. I'm impressed with the sound quality, although I'm going to wait for them to burn in before I really make up my mind.

[nyguy4u]

I hope that NEITHER of you start this again—nyguy4u's post did not necessitate a reply. We've heard both of your thoughts on these speakers. You both have had more than your say. I am personally more interested in hearing what other users think. This thread was actually starting to be a little bit useful.

With respect to both of you, whose opinions I have read (and learned from) while lurking on this forum, I hope you will please let this one die and just accept that the other has a differing opinion. It only takes one person to end this—one of you PLEASE be the bigger person.

I'm not sure what the problem is. This topic is dedicated to Swan M10's, someone is having interference issues, and I'm simply telling the poster that these have a history of that, and that there is nothing you can really do to remedy it.

I am staying on topic, and am posting information about the topic on hand. I personally have no idea what thegoldenmackid posted (assuming he did), because he was added to my ignore list days ago - so I became the bigger person days ago.

[DEE9299]

Good call. I figure neither can be the bigger person so they joined my ignore list. It's a pissing match.

DEE9299 did you wall mount your sub yet?

not yet jessica trying to finish my desk first but i have a pretty good idea for it

[DEE9299]

I'm not sure what the problem is. This topic is dedicated to Swan M10's, someone is having interference issues, and I'm simply telling the poster that these have a history of that, and that there is nothing you can really do to remedy it.

I am staying on topic, and am posting information about the topic on hand. I personally have no idea what thegoldenmackid posted (assuming he did), because he was added to my ignore list days ago - so I became the bigger person days ago.

ya you stated you dont like swans so please dont ruin my thread...some people have issues most dont...like with everything you buy some have issues and some dont

[nyguy4u]

ya you stated you dont like swans so please dont ruin my thread...some people have issues most dont...like with everything you buy some have issues and some dont

Actually, most ARE having issues with interference. It should be noted for people that plan on purchasing these, especially if they have a small desk.

Just trying to help out. There are other computer speakers out there that are better quality, better sounding, with no interference issues, for the same price.

[DEE9299]

i have a small desk at the moment my speakers are about 1 foot away from each other and i have no interference and also these cost $85 I think all the speakers you have recommended have $130 and up in price..so for a speaker system under $100 these are great

[nyguy4u]

i have a small desk at the moment my speakers are about 1 foot away from each other and i have no interference and also these cost $85 I think all the speakers you have recommended have $130 and up in price..so for a speaker system under $100 these are great

Consider yourself lucky that you don't have interference :)

Yes, I recommended $130 speakers. That's still in the basic price point of the Swans. The Swans are good, all I'm saying is, with a little research, there are others out there that are a lot better, with better build quality. The Swans do look nice though. But, sound SHOULD be more important than looks. I've said this already in the other thread, so I won't dwell on this. There is a reason no one really purchases these speakers. They are very hard to find. There's a reason for that. I said what I needed to say.

[DEE9299]

Consider yourself lucky that you don't have interference :)

Yes, I recommended $130 speakers. That's still in the basic price point of the Swans. The Swans are good, all I'm saying is, with a little research, there are others out there that are a lot better, with better build quality. The Swans do look nice though. But, sound SHOULD be more important than looks. I've said this already in the other thread, so I won't dwell on this. There is a reason no one really purchases these speakers. They are very hard to find. There's a reason for that. I said what I needed to say.

I found mine quite easily...but anyways I like mine for the price... I personally dont see the need to spend a lot of money on speakers for my laptop and for the price I will listen to them all day long.....now if I could get these white covers off I could paint to match my mac color...

[SchneiderMan]

Do they sound better then the Soundsticks 2?

[skinniezinho]

anyone knows a store that can ship the m10 for portugal?
It seems that onyl next years swans will be more available in the EU..
In deutschland it cost 150eur :S
My alternative are the M-audio Av30,,do they match the swans?

[Shivetya]

FWIW

I have the M12. While the sounds is good they don't power off nicely all the time, as in they POP when powered off.

[jessica.]

Do they sound better then the Soundsticks 2?

I have had both and in my non-professional experience I never had computer speakers (2:1) that sounded as good as the swans. Understand, I've owned creative labs, off-brands, HK, Bose, and now Swans. I think overall the Swans for me have given me the most range even over the $400 Bose.

[DEE9299]

Do they sound better then the Soundsticks 2?

I have only heard the sound sticks at a apple store so I cant say which ones are better but the sound sticks sounded good and the have a sub whch was on the desk at apple so I am sure that played apart.

[DEE9299]

anyone knows a store that can ship the m10 for portugal?
It seems that onyl next years swans will be more available in the EU..
In deutschland it cost 150eur :S
My alternative are the M-audio Av30,,do they match the swans?

Try this place they are in Spain

AUDIOTOPIA S.L.
Home Theater
Add:C/Petunia 3, El Soto de la Moraleja,Alcobendas, Madrid 28109, Spain
www.hivispain.com info@hivispain.com
Tel: 34 91 663 6322

[TKEik683]

Hi,

I have been mulling over the decision to purchase these speakers. Currently I am running a receiver and a set of Klipsch's / Klipsch sub. I want to down size to give me a bit more room. I plan on wall mounting the satelites, but that leaves me no room for the midwoofer. So..

Does anyone have any experience with how badly the sound degrades with a floor placement? I really cant think of any other placement that will work for me, if the sound degrades too badly I will have to look at another set of 2.1's.

Thanks Much,
Dave

[thegoldenmackid]

Do they sound better then the Soundsticks 2?

The Swans are significantly better. The accuracy is not comparable. The entire range is significantly crisper. The only place where the Soundsticks might win is the category of loudness, but both are probably loud enough.

Hi,

I have been mulling over the decision to purchase these speakers. Currently I am running a receiver and a set of Klipsch's / Klipsch sub. I want to down size to give me a bit more room. I plan on wall mounting the satelites, but that leaves me no room for the midwoofer. So..

Does anyone have any experience with how badly the sound degrades with a floor placement? I really cant think of any other placement that will work for me, if the sound degrades too badly I will have to look at another set of 2.1's.

Thanks Much,
Dave

I put mine on the floor, it's not unbearable, but the difference is night and day. I would recommend getting another system given how directional the M10s are. Possibly the Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 or the Swan D1080?

[TKEik683]

Thank you for your help Thegoldenmackid.

How do you think M10's would work with the midwoofer just slightly above the monitors? I plan on mounting a shelf above my monitors to hold some pictures and possibly camera gear. I could probably put the midwoofer on that.

Here is a picture of a shelf mounted above the monitors. I was thinking something along these lines. (*Note: not my actual set up)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2509/3921925935_e673543f2f.jpg

This is probably the most likely way I will set up at my new house, satellites on small shelves next to desk etc...

Thanks
Dave

[DEE9299]

Thank you for your help Thegoldenmackid.

How do you think M10's would work with the midwoofer just slightly above the monitors? I plan on mounting a shelf above my monitors to hold some pictures and possibly camera gear. I could probably put the midwoofer on that.

Here is a picture of a shelf mounted above the monitors. I was thinking something along these lines. (*Note: not my actual set up)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2509/3921925935_e673543f2f.jpg

This is probably the most likely way I will set up at my new house, satellites on small shelves next to desk etc...

Thanks
Dave
That setup would be fine I am using a shelf like that myself to place my m10 woofer on one suggestion would be to keep it only a couple of inches above the top of your monitor and you could always get some cool little circle lights from ikea to put on the underside of the shelf to give you some mood lighting as the lights come in different colors that shelf and desk both come from ikea in case you were wondering

[thegoldenmackid]

I see no reason why that set-up won't work. I have my midwoofer slightly above my head as well.

[TKEik683]

Thanks for the help. I guess I will be giving the M10's a try. Now I just need to purchase some shelves and finish packing. :D

Thanks
Dave

[gfhoward]

OK, well I bought a properly shielded RCA cable to run from my Mac to the center channel/amp. That did help with the RF interference, showing that it is partly the cheap RCA cable that can be a problem. I also moved the center channel/amp across the room. The result was that the center channel/amp was no longer playing Magic 95.5 FM by itself with no input.

HOWEVER, when I plugged in the satellites to the center channel/amp, I got major buzzing (worse than before) and some radio station playing through as well.

My conclusion? The cables that run from each satellite to the center channel/amp are also cheap and poorly shielded. They need to be replaced to remove the buzzing.

Since they are hard-wired, unlike the computer to center channel/amp cable, I will need to get inside the satellites and see if I can re-do the wiring.

My thoughts on the Swan M10 so far are that they are a cheap Made in China product that is inadequately shielded from RF interference and buzzing, and comes with the cheapest of RCA cables. They do sound good, if you don't have buzzing problems. But I recommend people look at the Logitech Z-2300 or the M-Audio AV30 or AV40 instead.

Anyone have experience opening up these satellites or re-wiring the satellites with better cabling?

[nyguy4u]

My thoughts on the Swan M10 so far are that they are a cheap Made in China product that is inadequately shielded from RF interference and buzzing, and comes with the cheapest of RCA cables. They do sound good, if you don't have buzzing problems. But I recommend people look at the Logitech Z-2300 or the M-Audio AV30 or AV40 instead.

Anyone have experience opening up these satellites or re-wiring the satellites with better cabling?

EXACTLY! I've been saying this since day 1. Not only are they cheaply made from China, but they cost as little as $35 in China. People are being blinded by their looks, and not really paying much attention to the sound, other than it being "clear", which is obvious due to the majority liking them. Sorry, but a $20 pair of speakers can be "clear" too.

Buzzing was also something I mentioned these speakers having. I had a pair myself, and quickly returned them after realizing I want good sound, not necessarily looks. When you open up the speakers, and see how nice they look, and the nice little white gloves, you think you have quality - until you see how light and cheap they are. The looks are making up for the lack of sound, and unfortunately most people have fallen into that trap.

M-Audio make VERY good speakers, and as I've also said in the past, M-Audio AV40's are SO much better than the Swan's.

[Nuck81]

Thread Bump.

I recently bought some Swan M12's, and I have to say I am thoroughly impressed. I haven't experienced any interference coming from the highway, (I used to pick up random CB chatter from truckers with my old speakers) and my cellphone only buzzes my speakers if it is sitting on the sub.

The fidelity is top notch. I listen to a fair amount of classical and can hear the actual performers turn pages, and move their instruments that I couldn't hear before. The Bass is perfect for me, not overpowering but felt. And if I play some Ronald Jenkees the little sub can move a fair amount of air.

Not sure the difference between M10's and M12's. (After a few emails a Mr Lane at Audio Insider.recommended the M12's over the M10's) But I'm highly satisfied with the purchase of my Swan Speakers.

[JurgenWigg]

Got some M10's back in the middle of November - they're absolutely wonderful. Great fidelity, not overpowering, no static of any kind at any volume, would recommend to anyone!

[DEE9299]

my swan m10s sound alot better after the burn in period. I am happy to see that people are happy with them they look nice and they sound good to.

[thegoldenmackid]

my swan m10s sound alot better after the burn in period. I am happy to see that people are happy with them they look nice and they sound good to.

As am I. In the end it only matters if people are satisfied. By my count, it's:
Positive:
thegoldenmackid
jessica.
DEE9299
Fozzybadfeet
Xavier
steve knight
buzzbuzzbuzz
Crantastic
JurgenWigg
smwatson
lostfan916
munson
elfxmilhouse
gfhoward (had problems, but asked to be placed in this group after a replacement)

Negative:
nyguy4u

Unclear:
iCheddar (claims that they were the "best computer speakers" they ever owned, but had issues)
RaceTripper
KidMoe85
umgoblue2008

Happy With The M12s:
Shivetya
munson
Nuck81

So that leaves the M10s at 93% positive and Swan as a whole at 94% positive. The other three could obviously change the make-up of the quick poll, but I would say that those numbers are very good.

[Nuck81]

I definitely belong in the happy with the M12's list...

[DEE9299]

Swans are like many other products... some people will like them and some people will not..some will get a perfect set and some will get a set with some issues ..it all boils down to what you personal taste is along with others reviews and no company has ever made a product line that did not have issues for example Apple makes sick stuff but their new iMacs ran into some problems.......

[Nuck81]

I didn't want to create a new thread, so I'll bump this one.

Here is a question to the Audiophiles (specifically GoldenMacKid)

So as I was getting ready for tonight I had my Swan M12's blasting, had the bass all the way up, Volume on the sub max, Itunes volume max, and Mac volume about 3/4. Things where going great, I was jamming, singing and getting ready, I was listening to something pretty bass heavy when I noticed the sub was cutting out and popping every few seconds and jumping back in. I went in and while checking cables noticed the back of the sub was blazing hot, like burning your hand hot.

So the question is, was I just pushing the little guy too hard, or do I have a bigger problem?

My guess is the built in amp was just getting over pushed but wanted to make sure.

PS: it stopped after I turned the bass and volume down a little.

[mathemabeat]

I didn't want to create a new thread, so I'll bump this one.

Here is a question to the Audiophiles (specifically GoldenMacKid)

So as I was getting ready for tonight I had my Swan M12's blasting, had the bass all the way up, Volume on the sub max, Itunes volume max, and Mac volume about 3/4. Things where going great, I was jamming, singing and getting ready, I was listening to something pretty bass heavy when I noticed the sub was cutting out and popping every few seconds and jumping back in. I went in and while checking cables noticed the back of the sub was blazing hot, like burning your hand hot.

So the question is, was I just pushing the little guy too hard, or do I have a bigger problem?

My guess is the built in amp was just getting over pushed but wanted to make sure.

PS: it stopped after I turned the bass and volume down a little.



Yeah. You are probably clipping the amp and/or overdriving the subwoofer driver.

Amp clipping kills speakers...so turn it down a notch.

[thegoldenmackid]

Amp clipping seems like the culrpit. It's just a fancy way of saying, you turned it up too much. The amp was trying to be more powerful then it's physically limited to.

[Nuck81]

Guess I'll have to put a limit on my Jamming out.

Marcus Miller will be very disappointed in me....

[Nuck81]

Me again.....

My Sub hasn't clipped out anymore but it still runs hot. How hot is too hot? I know it's going to heat up, but even at half volume it still feels awfully warm to me.

Any advice on where I should set my Bass, treble, and volume knob to help with the heat? Should I control volume from the Speakers, Itunes, or the Mac?

Also any way to reduce the "pop" when I turn the sub off? No matter what I do it pops loud. I;ve tried turning the volume down, unplugging it from the mac, everything I can think of and it pops loud through the sub and satellites.

My first set of speakers that amounted to anything so this is all new to me. For all I know this is all normal and I'm just making myself look like a noob.

[thegoldenmackid]

I've never had any problems with heat, but it sounds like we keep our speakers at two different levels. As for the pop, I have no solution. I just don't turn mine off very often.

[Nuck81]

Its really just the very back of the sub. I know it's supposed to have some heat to it, just don't know when it is too much. and I haven't really been pushing them hard. I got shy about turning it up after last weekend.

[umgoblue2008]

Its really just the very back of the sub. I know it's supposed to have some heat to it, just don't know when it is too much. and I haven't really been pushing them hard. I got shy about turning it up after last weekend.

Add me to satisfied list.

[Nuck81]

All my research points to the fact that I just am limited on my knowledge of decent systems.

Every Issue I've been concerned about is usual from standard usage. A benefit of my searching has educated me in the proper usage of my equalizer. The Swans have taken flight to a whole new level now.

[elfxmilhouse]

ive had mine for a couple months now.

they sounded decent at first but now they are much better

[thegoldenmackid]

Add me to satisfied list.

M10 or M12?

[gfhoward]

So as an update, I received a replacement set of Swan M-10s from Jon, and it's true the first set I received was defective. This new set is properly shielded and does not exhibit the rf interference I had with the first set. So count me in the "happy" group now, although in the meantime I bought a set of Logitech Z-2300, and I have to say they have better sound than the Swans for the same money. Better clarity and sound from the satellites and much better bass from the sub. So for the money, I'd say go with the Z-2300. I've been able to compare them side by side, in the same room, using the same music.

[thegoldenmackid]

Let the Swan's burn in, thus is key...

[gfhoward]

So you think clarity will increase in the satellites after burn in? How long does "burn in" take? I can't imagine the bass would ever rival the Logitech sub, as the Swan is basically a center channel woofer, right?

[nyguy4u]

So you think clarity will increase in the satellites after burn in? How long does "burn in" take? I can't imagine the bass would ever rival the Logitech sub, as the Swan is basically a center channel woofer, right?

The Logitech sub sounds MUCH better than the Swans. Mostly because, as you said, the Swan subwoofer isn't a subwoofer.

I laugh as I see all these people with the Swans cutting out, overheating, etc. That's because, like I said months ago, they aren't a high-end speaker. They aren't made to be. They are meant to be a middle of the range product. The M12's are their high end, not the M10's.

You won't have these issues with the Logitech system.

The Z-2300's sound MUCH better than the Swans. Do they look as good as the Swans?.. no. Do they sound better?.. hell yea!

[thegoldenmackid]

The bass isn't going to get to the loudness of the Logitech's. If you thought that was going to occur, we seriously misled you. The Swans definitely have a noticeably better sound at about 30 hours. The quality and clarity will increase, something that I don't believe the Logitechs hold over the Swans.

Side-note: I stopped by their booth at CES, their theater system was quite incredible.

I spoke with a rep their briefly about the M10 vs. M12 and the life of both. The M12 is not likely to be manufactured again given it's poor sales numbers. Neither one was Swan's "high-end" multimedia system.

[lixuelai]

The Logitech sub sounds MUCH better than the Swans. Mostly because, as you said, the Swan subwoofer isn't a subwoofer.

I laugh as I see all these people with the Swans cutting out, overheating, etc. That's because, like I said months ago, they aren't a high-end speaker. They aren't made to be. They are meant to be a middle of the range product. The M12's are their high end, not the M10's.

You won't have these issues with the Logitech system.

The Z-2300's sound MUCH better than the Swans. Do they look as good as the Swans?.. no. Do they sound better?.. hell yea!

For games? Probably. For music? Probaby not. Z-2300 is all bass and nothing else. M10s have good treble and mids. For gaming or bass heavy music it will be a problem but for most music it is much better.

[Nuck81]

The Logitech sub sounds MUCH better than the Swans. Mostly because, as you said, the Swan subwoofer isn't a subwoofer.

I laugh as I see all these people with the Swans cutting out, overheating, etc. That's because, like I said months ago, they aren't a high-end speaker. They aren't made to be. They are meant to be a middle of the range product. The M12's are their high end, not the M10's.

You won't have these issues with the Logitech system.

The Z-2300's sound MUCH better than the Swans. Do they look as good as the Swans?.. no. Do they sound better?.. hell yea!

The Logitech Sub is bigger of course it will have better bass.

Comparing these Swan Speakers to These Logitech Speakers are like comparing a Symphony Concert to a Rock Concert.

You're paying about the same for both but they each give you a different experience, with seperate positives and negatives. It's about personal preference and taste in music.

But to say a Rock Concert or a Symphony "SOUND" better or worse than each other is not only asinine, but seriously misguided.

[thegoldenmackid]

Nuck81 said it better then I ever did.

[nyguy4u]

The Logitech Sub is bigger of course it will have better bass.

Comparing these Swan Speakers to These Logitech Speakers are like comparing a Symphony Concert to a Rock Concert.

You're paying about the same for both but they each give you a different experience, with seperate positives and negatives. It's about personal preference and taste in music.

But to say a Rock Concert or a Symphony "SOUND" better or worse than each other is not only asinine, but seriously misguided.

I'd like you to show me where I compared a rock concert to a symphony. I didn't. Please don't put words into my mouth. Thanks.

I have owned both the Logitech's, as well as the Swans. If you look in the early stages in this thread, I never said the Swans didn't sound good. I said for the price, there are better out there, with more options such as a easy to get to volume control, headphone out, and line in (some consumers like those). Sure, at mid to low volumes, the Swans sound decent. Are they worth $100? - no. GOD no! Why anyone would pay this money for a speaker system that you can't even jack the volume up every now and then, is beyond me.

The Logitech's, as many have said, have loud bass. So do Klipsch's. However, if you jack up the gain on the sub, of course it will sound like a rock concert. But, if you only have it up 10% - it has great deep bass, and the clarity is awesome. That's why they are so popular, with so many positive reviews.

So many people are being blinded by the nice, clean look of the Swans - and not looking beyond that. It's a sub-par USB powered speaker set, with low wattage, and lack of bass. Plus the inconvenience of having to put the woofer on your desk.

In the end, I ended up returning both of them. I'm an audiophile, and neither fit my needs. I have monitors in my studio, and I ended up buying monitors for my home computer as well. I bought Mackie MR5's, which in reality are the low end of monitors for Mackie, but still blow away the Swans and Logitech's, and probably every "computer speaker set" on the market. Then again, they should sound better - they are monitors, not speakers. Not to mention more costly.

[Nuck81]

I'd like you to show me where I compared a rock concert to a symphony. I didn't. Please don't put words into my mouth. Thanks.

I have owned both the Logitech's, as well as the Swans. If you look in the early stages in this thread, I never said the Swans didn't sound good. I said for the price, there are better out there, with more options such as a easy to get to volume control, headphone out, and line in (some consumers like those). Sure, at mid to low volumes, the Swans sound decent. Are they worth $100? - no. GOD no! Why anyone would pay this money for a speaker system that you can't even jack the volume up every now and then, is beyond me.

The Logitech's, as many have said, have loud bass. So do Klipsch's. However, if you jack up the gain on the sub, of course it will sound like a rock concert. But, if you only have it up 10% - it has great deep bass, and the clarity is awesome. That's why they are so popular, with so many positive reviews.

So many people are being blinded by the nice, clean look of the Swans - and not looking beyond that. It's a sub-par USB powered speaker set, with low wattage, and lack of bass. Plus the inconvenience of having to put the woofer on your desk.

In the end, I ended up returning both of them. I'm an audiophile, and neither fit my needs. I have monitors in my studio, and I ended up buying monitors for my home computer as well. I bought Mackie MR5's, which in reality are the low end of monitors for Mackie, but still blow away the Swans and Logitech's, and probably every "computer speaker set" on the market. Then again, they should sound better - they are monitors, not speakers. Not to mention more costly.


If you're a true audiophile why are you even discussing 2.1 systems?

That would be like Brett Favre talking about the Poduck County high School Pop Werner Championships...

You pretty much missed my point, but judging from your post history that's too be expected.

I don't know about you, but I am a High School Band Teacher and a classically trained musician. My musical tastes require a large variety of style and substance. Something not every System can provide. I'm quite happy with my Swans as are many, many others. Just as many are happy with their Logitechs. That's the point we're trying to make. People ask for or opinions and we give our advice based on taste, preference and background. Others must process the information given and make up their own mind. But for you to claim superiority of one over the other is quite short sighted and immature.

[nyguy4u]

If you're a true audiophile why are you even discussing 2.1 systems?

That would be like Brett Favre talking about the Poduck County high School Pop Werner Championships...

You pretty much missed my point, but judging from your post history that's too be expected.

I don't know about you, but I am a High School Band Teacher and a classically trained musician. My musical tastes require a large variety of style and substance. Something not every System can provide. I'm quite happy with my Swans as are many, many others. Just as many are happy with their Logitechs. That's the point we're trying to make. People ask for or opinions and we give our advice based on taste, preference and background. Others must process the information given and make up their own mind. But for you to claim superiority of one over the other is quite short sighted and immature.

Ok, so because I'm an audiophile, I can't discuss 2.1 systems? That makes absolutely no sense whatsoever.

I prefer all kinds of music too. I love everything from rap, to classical rock, and everything in between - which is EXACTLY why I am not recommending the Swans. If you like ALL kinds of music, you wouldn't want the Swans. Swans give you little bass, and a lot of music genres have bass.

I'm claiming superiority over one, because I owned both, and feel I can give an opinion on it. I'm entitled to my opinion. I am not immature whatsoever. People can buy whatever they want, obviously. I've been in the audio business for many years, and feel I have the right to give my opinion on this.

Why is it called common sense, when no one has it?

[Nuck81]

Ok, so because I'm an audiophile, I can't discuss 2.1 systems? That makes absolutely no sense whatsoever.

I prefer all kinds of music too. I love everything from rap, to classical rock, and everything in between - which is EXACTLY why I am not recommending the Swans. If you like ALL kinds of music, you wouldn't want the Swans. Swans give you little bass, and a lot of music genres have bass.

I'm claiming superiority over one, because I owned both, and feel I can give an opinion on it. I'm entitled to my opinion. I am not immature whatsoever. People can buy whatever they want, obviously. I've been in the audio business for many years, and feel I have the right to give my opinion on this.

Why is it called common sense, when no one has it?

Claiming to be something doesn't make it so. Also Rap to Classic Rock and "everything in between" is a severely limited sample of all the different genres and styles of music out there.

Why are you obsessed with Bass? There is much more to music than Bass. And I can think of literally thousands of instances were a strong overpowering bass would be a negative. In fact I can think of more instances where you DON'T want an overpowering bass than when I do.

[nyguy4u]

Claiming to be something doesn't make it so. Also Rap to Classic Rock and "everything in between" is a severely limited sample of all the different genres and styles of music out there.

Why are you obsessed with Bass? There is much more to music than Bass. And I can think of literally thousands of instances were a strong overpowering bass would be a negative. In fact I can think of more instances where you DON'T want an overpowering bass than when I do.

It's not a matter of claims, it's a matter of specs.
Satellites
Swan's - 8 watts
Logitech - 40 watts

Frequency
Swan's - 100Hz-20kHz
Logitech - 35 Hz–20 kHz

The Swan's only go down to 100Hz. That's a problem.

I can go on and on with the specs. Again, not a claim.. FACT.

Why am I obsessed with bass? Because the low end of music is just as important as the mid, and high end. If you don't have all 3, you aren't listening to what was intended. You keep on mentioning "overpowering" bass. I know you don't want overpowering bass, obviously. Again, putting words in my mouth - something I never said. Some music calls for it, some doesn't. The Swan's can't handle ANY decent bass. The Logitech's can. People with Swan's might not need the low end bass based on their music preference, but it would be nice to have in case you do listen to some music with some bass, or even a movie.

I am still scratching my head why you would question why an audiophile is discussing 2.1 systems. Last I checked, 2.1 systems are speakers, and produce audio.

Like you said, people ask for our opinions, and we give our advice based on taste, preference and background. I go a step further, and facts. Numbers don't lie.

It's obvious you just don't understand music. Just because you teach music in HS doesn't make you an expert. Am I an expert at this? - no. I am always learning new things every day. It's all part of the profession. However, with the amount of years I've been in the recording industry, I am certainly able to state my professional opinions on speakers, no matter if they are 2.1 systems, or high-end concert sound systems (which I also do). Most people want the 3 elements of music, not just two. I guess you don't. You might as well buy a $10 set at WalMart if you're just happy with the mids and highs of music. :rolleyes:

[Nuck81]

I'm not going to get into a pissing contest.

It's obvious that not only do we not share the same taste in music we also do not listen to music in the same way.

You're claim that Swans produce no bass is false. They do produce bass. And it's enough to shake the change of my desk if I desire to do so.

But I think most folks are smart enough to process the information themselves, despite foolish claims.

[nyguy4u]

Despite foolish claims?? .. I got that information straight from the manufactures websites!! LOL! How am I making foolish claims??

Us not listening to the same music, or music in the same way doesn't add or take away from the specs that both Swan, and Logitech put out in their specifications. Even if that was the case, people still watch movies, which most have tons of low end, and the Swan's aren't good for that.

Once again, putting words in my mouth, I NEVER said the Swan's don't produce any bass. I said they produce very LITTLE bass. Again, huge difference. You like to put words in my mouth. How about fully reading what I say before quoting me?

You're making no sense whatsoever. I provide you facts from each manufactures website, and you're claiming that's foolish claims. Still figuring out why an audiophile wouldn't be interested in discussing 2.1 systems, which you clearly are dodging answering.

If you put as much effort into making sense, rather than putting words in my mouth, we'd be able to have a normal conversation. Instead, you've resorted to calling me names, such as being "immature".

I'm sorry, but facts don't lie - the Logitech's are a better system. I even ask you Nuck, have you owned both systems to be so against the Logitech's? Because you are in the minority here, most people like them. I'm sure you'll dodge that question to.

[lixuelai]

I am sorry but an "audiophile" claiming that Z-2300 sounds good demeans the word "audiophile".

p.s. Stats are never facts about what a system sound like. There are plenty of high end speakers with worse frequency response than crappier ones. Just because it can reproduce a certain frequency does not mean it can do it well.

[nyguy4u]

OK, have some common sense.

I'm not saying Logitechs are the best 2.1 system out there. I'm saying compared to the Swan's, they are.

And yes, specs mean a lot. The exact reason why people bash Bose for not posting theirs.

I really needed to make that clear? Wow.

[lixuelai]

Lol people bash Bose because they sell overpriced stuff purely based on marketing. Not because they don't post specs. Who cares what the specs are if it sounds good, most manufacturers exaggerate the specs anyway. Again frequency response does not mean it will reproduce all the said frequency well.

Anyway if you are happy about your Z-2300 good for you but please don't drag the word "audiophile" into your arguments to make them seem more valid.

[nyguy4u]

Lol people bash Bose because they sell overpriced stuff purely based on marketing. Not because they don't post specs. Who cares what the specs are if it sounds good, most manufacturers exaggerate the specs anyway. Again frequency response does not mean it will reproduce all the said frequency well.

Anyway if you are happy about your Z-2300 good for you but please don't drag the word "audiophile" into your arguments to make them seem more valid.

People bash Bose because of their price, and their specs not being released.

Regardless of what you say, specs mean something. The Swan's only go down to 100Hz, that's a huge negative for those speakers. 100Hz is pure crap.

Did you not read ANY of what I said in this thread? Because if you would have, you'd know that I don't own neither the Swan, or Logitech. My wife had them at one point, and I heard both. I don't even have a 2.1 "computer speaker" set. I use Mackie monitors for my home computer. What myself, and my employees use in my studio is a completely different setup, and probably costs more than what you make in a year - actually, I'm quite certain of that.

I am not dragging the word "audiophile" into my posts to make them move valid - because quite frankly, I don't need to. I'm not a fly by night audiophile who runs a business out of their basement.

[lixuelai]

Haha I am sure that your setup in your studio is more than what I make a year since I don't make any money. :)

[Nuck81]

Despite foolish claims?? .. I got that information straight from the manufactures websites!! LOL! How am I making foolish claims??

Us not listening to the same music, or music in the same way doesn't add or take away from the specs that both Swan, and Logitech put out in their specifications. Even if that was the case, people still watch movies, which most have tons of low end, and the Swan's aren't good for that.

Once again, putting words in my mouth, I NEVER said the Swan's don't produce any bass. I said they produce very LITTLE bass. Again, huge difference. You like to put words in my mouth. How about fully reading what I say before quoting me?

You're making no sense whatsoever. I provide you facts from each manufactures website, and you're claiming that's foolish claims. Still figuring out why an audiophile wouldn't be interested in discussing 2.1 systems, which you clearly are dodging answering.

If you put as much effort into making sense, rather than putting words in my mouth, we'd be able to have a normal conversation. Instead, you've resorted to calling me names, such as being "immature".

I'm sorry, but facts don't lie - the Logitech's are a better system. I even ask you Nuck, have you owned both systems to be so against the Logitech's? Because you are in the minority here, most people like them. I'm sure you'll dodge that question to.

I think the Logitechs are a great system. and If I mainly listened to Rock and Rap I'd probably have them.

But listening to the Royal Phil is rather stupid with the bass so loud you can't hear any other instrument.

[nyguy4u]

I think the Logitechs are a great system. and If I mainly listened to Rock and Rap I'd probably have them.

But listening to the Royal Phil is rather stupid with the bass so loud you can't hear any other instrument.

And I agree with that 100%. But, if you listen to something that shouldn't have that much bass, you can easily turn it down.

[thegoldenmackid]

I feel like we already did all of this, once. See here. (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=776101&page=4)


I repeat, WE DID ALL OF THIS BEFORE.

The only new part we learned was that nyguy4u's studio cost more then what everyone makes in a year? There are plenty of inconsistent parts and non-sensical things. I'll stop now, as I was told to earlier on in this thread.

The facts remain, over 90% of the forum users that have them say that they are happy with them...

[bwheels]

I should be on my way to test out a pair of m10s in a few days, but i'm contemplating it between a pair of m audio av30s.. Im residing in australia, and i can't seem to find any place to demo the pair of maudio. Has anyone heard both of 'em?

Though im siding a lot towards the m10, the contemplation's caused by price,the m10 is about 180 here in comparison to the 140 for the av30. and heh, budget constrain :cool:

[Xavier]

I am bring this thread back as it had some good information.

I do enjoy my M10's but over the past few months, I have begun to notice a lot of radio interference. I have tired the speakers in several outlets (grounded and non-grounded) in two different locations (Muncie, IN and Columbus, OH ). It seems to be getting worse. I don't remember noticing this interference when I originally bought these speakers back in August 2009.

Although I agree that "you get what you pay for" and am in the process of upgrading to studio monitors, I am at a loss as to why this is happening only recently.

On the plus side, I can listen to classical whenever I want. ;)

[John T]

For an interesting discussion on speakers, this (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=1068399) thread is worth reading.

[hatersgonnahate]

after some reading i didnt buy the swans. the looks werent enough for me to justify weak specs and lack of features.

instead i went with samson 3i speakers. headphone out. more watts. aux connection. regular red/white audio connection and USB connection + ipod dock. for about $20 less.:p

sure its not as pretty as the swans but i can connect my ps3, ipod and macbook pro at the same time.