thoughts on swan r2/r3 or c2/c3 (1 Viewer)

[Ronneil Camara]

Hey guys,

I'm preparing budget to buy the swan speakers. Here is my line up:

1. 2.1 for mains
2. c2 for center
3. r2 for surrounds

my question is: do I need to get c3 or r3 instead? It's because, I'm currently using paradigm atoms and it is only 50w but I am able to fill my 25x19 ht room. But of course, low frequencies are sent to my 20-39 PCi sub.

So any thougths about C3 against C2 and R3 against R2 would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Neil

 

[jephdood]

Isn't bigger always better?

 

[Joe Thompson]

Neil,
I would highly suggest atleast getting the C3 center....it is a very nice speaker....of course I am biased(I have Swan Diva 5.1's & a C3)....but if you are thinking about spending more....get the better center speaker!!! I can't comment on the surrounds....as I don't have any

Joe

 

[Ronneil Camara]

What's with C3 that's not with C2 other than that wattage?

Thanks...

Neil

 

[jephdood]

The C3 has the extra dome midrange driver, larger main drivers, larger tweeter, higher power handling, larger cabinet, 8 Ohm vs. 4 Ohm... it's just a bigger (and IMO better) speaker at center.

I have it matched with 2.1s on a setup and I think they all go great together.

 

[DavidCooper]

Yeah..I will also recommend you getting the C3. It's an awesome center channel. Your room is fairly large you need to make sure you get the best center channel you can. At $349 for the black cherry version you can't go wrong.

I would bet that thing would hold up to some VERY expensive center channels.

It is WAY better than my Paradigm CC-370 which has always gotten great reviews.

 

[TonyWright]

I have the C3 and the R3 surrounds. I can't say enough good about them. The center is a great speaker. I am constantly pleased with it's performance. I agree with everyone else here in saying that the C3 would be a better choice as it is a bigger better speaker.

Tony Wright

 

[DavidCooper]

Nice set up Tony! Looks awesome....

 

[TonyWright]

David,

Thanks for the compliment! I am really enjoying my setup so far. I hope to be adding an SVS PB1+ very soon. Just have to do a little more wife convincing.

Then hopefully down the road I can add 3 Outlaw Model 200 M-Block amps for my front stage area. Then things will really be kickin!

Tony

 

[Ronneil Camara]

drooling/drools ....

I should get those soon... but wife is the !?!?!?! :frowning:

i'll keep you posted guys

 

[DavidCooper]

I'll tell ya....my wife actually loves the Swan's. She never really liked the "black box" look of the Paradigms I had. I never thought the looks of a speaker would make a difference. I thought hey if it's big my wife will freak out! Not true in my case....she thinks if they are big they better look good in the living room! The Swan's deliver in that area for sure!

 

[TonyWright]

I hear that! The Swans in rosewood are beautiful speakers. They are awfully expensive compared the the BC models though. I just couldn't justify spending the extra $$ on the rosewood.

Tony

 

[DavidCooper]

Well I have the rosewood C3 for trial use...and a pair of BC 2.1's. Let me tell ya I think the BC version looks better! They look almost black and just have a classy and sleek look to them.

I'm not saying the rosewood looks bad...I just actually prefer the BC finish. Good thing they are cheaper too!

 

[TonyWright]

I agree with you on the BC. It is a really nice finish. Knowing myself though, I probably would have gone for the rosewood had I been able to justify the extra money. That said, I couldn't be more pleased with my setup. I still use the goofy white gloves to get the dust off of the black caps.

Tony

 

[DavidCooper]

Ha ha.....I got a special "duster" for mine.....what a geek I am!

You know what really floors me about the Swan's especially the 2.1's? Can you think of ANY speaker that costs $299 that looks and sounds as good?

I haven't heard every speaker under the sun...but I have heard a few bookshelves from the Pardigm Studio line as well as the B&W nautilus line. I really don't think there are any speakers on the market that have both the great looks and the great sound for such a low price........can anyone name one?

I realize looks are subjective...but I'm talking about a speaker with the grill off that doesn't look like a black box etc.

 

[jephdood]

I ripped all mine a long time ago trying to get those tiny things on my hands.

Do you all have your grilles on or do you leave 'em off? I love the looks of everything exposed but I'm too afraid of dinging one of the cones.

 

[DavidCooper]

I'm with ya there Jeff....they look really cool with the grills off but I have a 3 year old so I take no chances with an "attractive nuisance".

He is really good though....he has never messed with any of my HT gear. However, shortly after I got the Swan 2.1's in I caught him trying to sing into the tweeter! He thought it was a microphone!

 

[jephdood]

Ha! A star is born. Get him a little guitar to go along with that cabinet mounted mic. Start him early.

I don't have any kids yet, but I've got cats that are just as curious as 3 year-olds and have sharper nails.

 

[TonyWright]

I have a horse of a black lab that loves to play. He worries me sometimes as he is quite clumbsy. Lot's of fun though. I generally leave the gilles on my speakers just to be safe. My wife likes them on better than off.

Completely agree on the price topic. These speakers are such an amazing value.

Tony

 

[MikeLi]

I don't have Swans but I do have a good set up in Rockets which are not that much different. I would highly suggest the biggest Center that the offer. I have been through 4-5 different speaker systems in the last 10 years. Never have I heard one as clear as the Big Rocket Rc200 (called Bigfoot). I am positive the same would hold true for the Swans. The center is very important for dialog in movies. Since I have had this center there is no more turning the volume up and down 50 times during an action movie. You know down for explosions and up for dialog. I have a PB2+ as well so I am getting very loud bass. Anyway always get the big one if you can afford it or you will always wonder "what if". Plus its not that much more in price for something your going to keep for quite a long time I hope. I dont' plan on having to change speakers for a very long time this go around. I have learned some serious lessons the expensive way. Good luck
Mike L.