Thoughts on these 3 speaker brands

[Grevlin]

Opinion call:

Of these three: (No order)

Swan
Bowers and Wilkins
Paradigm

(A set with towers, center, and surround speakers - 5 or 7)

What are you opinions on cost to quality, quality for music, quality for movies, and ability to fight off upgradeitis for as long as possible.

[kpkelley]

Originally Posted by Grevlin

Swan - Beautiful speakers, but i haven't had a chance to listen to them.

Bowers and Wilkins - The Yuppie elite love these. That's not a negative, BMWs are great cars and the yuppie's love them, but it can be tought to find your silver 328i when its parked by ten others. There's something to be said for individuality.

Paradigm - Great brand with some nice use of materials not typically found in speakers of their cost.

I've only had the chance to listen to the B&Ws so I can't comment on how the sound differs between the three, but these were very nice speakers.

[Grevlin]

I must be losing my mind. I did NOT write the post that you have quoted...

[kpkelley]

Originally Posted by Grevlin

I must be losing my mind. I DID write the post that you have quoted...

[Grevlin]

Originally Posted by MickeyMouse

I know how to do that to also, I just don't. I'm staying cool at the moment, I just don't like having ANYTHING posted to look like I said it.

[browninggold]

Just tap on the blue arrow and it shows your post grev, he is just answering your thoughts on the speakers

[got rice]

Originally Posted by Grevlin

What are you opinions on cost to quality, quality for music, quality for movies, and ability to fight off upgradeitis for as long as possible.

Hey Grevlin...as far as cost to quality the Paradigm moitor series is a really good value. They have incorporated some of the main internal features found in the Studio series from the v.5 on. I also like the idea that all the assembly,manufacturing, and R&D is done in house at Paradigm, unlike many of the other maufacturers who are outsourcing their product to China.The customer service is top notch. Very professional and informed.

Paradigms have always been known for offering a musical speaker. They have won countless awards for their commitment to excellence.

as far as the ability to fight off upgradeitis, you're on your own. However, a good way to offset any loss is to look on Audogon.com. I was able to find a set of towers from a boutique with @ 10-20- hrs conservatively( at least that is what I was told) at 50% off MSRP.

Most importantly have fun auditioning all these speakers. At the end of the day i don't think you can go wrong with any of the three.

[Grevlin]

Thanks Rice, for bringing us back on topic.

I have never heard the three, so my only reference is this:

Swan - I just love the look on these speakers, I usually lean towards black and stainless so these have a nice dash of color.

B&K(edit: meant B&W) - I've read great reviews here and elsewhere that say these are top notch

Paradigm - Black and stainless, and have that big MEAN look.

I really need to hunt these down and give them a listen. I also need to order my projector before I spend my budget on upgrading my speakers ahead of schedule.

[kpkelley]

Originally Posted by Grevlin

B&K - I've read great reviews here and elsewhere that say these are top notch

They make some great components, but I don't believe they make speakers(I could be wrong). I assume you meant B&W not B&K.

[Grevlin]

Originally Posted by kpkelley

They make some great components, but I don't believe they make speakers(I could be wrong). I assume you meant B&W not B&K.

Yup, wire crossed- meant B&W. Thanks.

[got rice]

No prob... I read over in the Swan thread that Digital Knight is selling his 7.1 setup for $1500.00. Just a thought. As far as your observations of the three your pretty much spot on. As you have already said, go out and try to listen to them, I know one of the three will really stand out.

Man looking at your gallery at the old place, you really have an eye for design. I can't wait to see what your new place is going to look like.

Nice Job.

[StimpsonJCat]

All three are well respected speaker companies and I don't think you could go wrong with any of them. As far as upgraditis I don't think any choice will cure that. Something always comes along...

I think a set of Boston Acoustic Vistas or Salk SongTowers would probably tide me over for a very long time.

[Grevlin]

Oh, I saw DigitalKnights Swans - my projector upgrade was in danger for a while on that one. I actually like the darker finish on the Diva's so I can get them new for like $1400. (set of all 5)

I've finished the plans for paint color, acoustic treatments and projector/screen placement so I'm going for it. The before and after of my house's living room should be DRASTIC. <-- Only possible since I'm single, and my cat couldn't care less. It's designed in a way so I can just swap out the speakers when I upgrade towards the end of the year.

[JasonR]

I think they all make nice looking speakers. My opinion on the sound...

Swan - Never heard, mostly internet direct. You would be hard pressed to audition these unless you found an owner.

B&W - Very nice sounding and good looking speakers. Maybe a little overpriced, but not much.

Paradigm - I found the Monitors a tad bright, not Klipsch bright, when compared to other speakers. This can be said about a lot of speakers in their price range though. Not to discount them, because it is still a great sounding speaker. I really enjoyed the Studio and Signature series.

If you get a chance make sure you keep the Monitor Audios (as you previously mentioned) in mind while auditioning. Really a great package for the price. That said, I would listen to everything you can, only you will be able to tell what you like...

[jcb]

Hi,

Have you considered Axiom (axiomaudio.com)? Awesome speakers and outstanding value.

Jc

[Grevlin]

Originally Posted by JasonR

I think they all make nice looking speakers. My opinion on the sound...

Swan - Never heard, mostly internet direct. You would be hard pressed to audition these unless you found an owner.

B&W - Very nice sounding and good looking speakers. Maybe a little overpriced, but not much.

Paradigm - I found the Monitors a tad bright, not Klipsch bright, when compared to other speakers. This can be said about a lot of speakers in their price range though. Not to discount them, because it is still a great sounding speaker. I really enjoyed the Studio and Signature series.

If you get a chance make sure you keep the Monitor Audios (as you previously mentioned) in mind while auditioning. Really a great package for the price. That said, I would listen to everything you can, only you will be able to tell what you like...

I've been considering Monitor Audio's as well. If they were to go in my list of three, they would replace the B&W's. I've never been a fan of wood grain, but all these speakers look amazing. (The fine instrument look)

Good point about the Swans. Gonna be heard to audition those, I'll just have to read reviews.

[got rice]

Originally Posted by Grevlin

Oh, I saw DigitalKnights Swans - my projector upgrade was in danger for a while on that one. I actually like the darker finish on the Diva's so I can get them new for like $1400. (set of all 5)

I'm with you on the color.

I've finished the plans for paint color, acoustic treatments and projector/screen placement so I'm going for it. The before and after of my house's living room should be DRASTIC.

I like what I'm reading. Thats awesome your able to not hold back on the HT design. Before and After pics is defimitley the way to go, it shows how much thought you have put into it.

<-- Only possible since I'm single, and my cat couldn't care less. It's designed in a way so I can just swap out the speakers when I upgrade towards the end of the year.

Ahhh I see. Would it be safe to say this is going to be a bachelors pad...sigh those were the days.

You have some time, so I will keep an eye out if something shows up....I'm assuming new w/ warranty. Gotta go, I'll catch up with you later.

[JJ]

Heck, we all think our own brands are incredible, unless we've actually gone out to audition them - I've never listened to Monitor or Swan, only B&W and Paradigm - honestly, all our advice is for naught until you go out and audition all the bastards yourself!

If you go with Paradigm, stretch for the Studio line if you can. Swan, go with 5s or 6s...Monitor, go with the Silver line, and B&W, go with the CM or 600 series.

But for aesthetics alone, I would be all over the Swan 5.2s.

[Drew664]

Originally Posted by JasonR

Swan - Never heard, mostly internet direct. You would be hard pressed to audition these unless you found an owner.

Originally Posted by Grevlin

Good point about the Swans. Gonna be heard to audition those, I'll just have to read reviews.

I bought my 6.1s without hearing them. I had to do a lot of reading over on the AVS forums to get a good idea of how they stacked up against similar speakers, and I was confident that they'd be great. One member even did a group blind test on different speakers (Swans were included in the form of the 6.2s ~ comparable to the 6.1s). Used as the reference speaker maybe? I can't remember, but irregardless the Swans were among the cream of the crop.

The way I see it, people are buying eD subs without ever hearing them - but they go on solid recommendations and reviews. Internet direct brands will always have an uphill battle with more accessible speaker lines, but the dollar to value ratio is potentially better.

There are stores in California and Florida that sell the Swan line - so listen to them if you are in the area. Cleveland even has the upper line from Swans if you get a chance to go there. My dream speaker set (that is semi attainable) is the F2.2 line from Swan. Someday...

Honestly though, you will be happy with whatever you choose. I am just throwing the Swan line a bone since there aren't many owners/listeners on here.

[prerich]

Originally Posted by Grevlin

Opinion call:

Of these three: (No order)

Swan
Bowers and Wilkins
Paradigm

(A set with towers, center, and surround speakers - 5 or 7)

What are you opinions on cost to quality, quality for music, quality for movies, and ability to fight off upgradeitis for as long as possible.

It's a no-brainer....get the ones you like the best - I mean it's really a no-brainer - you can't go wrong with any of these choices. I have heard or owned all of these...and they all have impressed me. Great companies and great speakers!