uATX System Buildup: Choosing Components

Speakers

I decided since we were upgrading the systems that maybe a change was in order for the speakers also. Our desktop space is limited so a 5.1 system is out of the question - although for my daughter, it would make sense considering her movie watching habits. Our Sonigistix Monsoon MM 2000 units are getting a bit long in the tooth, not from an audio experience, but the general wear and tear for the last six years have left our sets slightly damaged. While a steady stream of super glue has kept the speaker stands in working order, cable tears and the occasional drink spill have left the sets needing some serious TLC to work perfectly.

This upgrade is a budget buster and something I did not plan on when the process started. I thought about moving around a few speaker sets between the other computers but space and application needs dictated something different. I have not been a big fan of most personal computer speaker systems although Logitech, Klipsch, and Creative have had their fair share of success in the upper-end market. I own products from each supplier but they are 5.1 configurations.

I can get away with a 2.0 system and my daughter will just need a solid 2.1 configuration. Certainly, I was looking in a price range that would not completely break the bank or send a red flag up for a divorce lawyer. Something like the Logitech Z-2300 for my daughter or the M-Audio StudioPro 3 for me was in order since prices were under $100 each. In fact, even discussing speakers is probably going to be controversial as audio quality can be very subjective at times. What my ear hears from these speakers can be completely different from another person sitting next to me. My suggestions suit the requirements I have and more importantly, how I like to listen to music. There are certainly other choices available in the price ranges I selected and they might be even better than the brand name I like.

I have always been a big Swan fan and someone will have to pry the M200MkII from my cold dead hands before I give them up. The new M12 units probably would have been perfect, but knowing my daughter would not really notice the difference I saved some money and bought the Swan M10 setup for just a few dollars more than the Logitech Z-2300. While the Logitech speakers win the battle of the bass, the Swan's provide just an incredible clarity with superb mids and highs for the money. The soundstage comes across as being larger than it actually is and instrument separation is excellent. The subwoofer has an excellent and responsive upper bass that matches very well with the midrange, but down low it could use a little more punch (certainly if you like thumping bass) and decay times are poor compared to larger units. The subwoofer is best placed on the desktop if possible. About the only drawbacks are the volume control on the sub, the satellite cables being soldered, and the four-foot cables. Otherwise, this almost perfect desktop setup offers a very intimate and smooth soundstage that even got a big thumbs up from my daughter - not only for the sound but for the looks as well.

The M10 units would have suited me perfectly and I probably should have gone that direction for saving money also. However, being the one to try something different, I decided to look at the Swan D1080MkII series after understanding them to be an inexpensive M200 substitute. First off, let me say they are not an M200 substitute, but I doubt anything in this price range is or could be. That said, these speakers actually sounded better to me than the M10s in most instances, even without the subwoofer.

The high frequency definition and transient response is very good along with smooth and clear highs after the break-in period. The midrange is close to the M200 series and is the greatest strength of this speaker set. I would grade it somewhere between very good to excellent with sharp transients, stable imaging, and a very open but neutral sound stage. The upper bass is very good and provides a seamless transition into the midrange. Obviously, without a sub the lower bass is trails off quickly, but there is a little punch in this design. However, this setup is not for heavy rock/hip-hop listeners or those who like deep pounding bass in their movies.

I listen to an eclectic mix of music and these speakers are great for classical, classic rock, jazz, pop, blues, country, and other music that tends to emphasize vocals or instrumentation. Surprisingly, gaming and movie playback are very good, except in titles where deep or loud explosions are the norm. In the end, I would probably recommend saving for the M200MkII speakers but if I did not have that chance, the D1080Mk11 is more than satisfying as a primary 2.0 desktop set.