HiVi Swans M200MKII 2.0 Hi-end digital Multimedia system

Pros: I own both the original Swan M200 and I just purchased this Swan M200MKII system. The drivers of the original and the new are the same TN25 tweeters and S5N Mid-Low. Whats different is the internal components and the size of the speakers. The MKII's are a little more that 1/2 inch wider. The first thing I noticed is that the bass has significantly improved on the MKII version. Also, the grilles are more transparent, but who keeps those on anyway? The amp seems different on the MKII's in that it has a heatsink on the back. The amp is VERY clean. If you unplug the audio RCA cables and turn up the volume all the way you will hear only a slight hiss and buzz of the transformer, even with the treble all the way up. The original M200's seem to have less hiss and buzz at full volume but then again that may be because they have a weaker amp. Either way, the amp on these is VERY clean.

Cons: When I heard the highs on the original M200's my jaw dropped at how amazing they were. The MKII version didn't have that affect although the highs were still excellent. This may be because they are somewhat masked by the improved bass or because the internal circuitry is different. Also, there seems to be distortion coming from the tweeters but that may be because they have not "broken-in" yet or because the receiver I have these hooked up to wasn't properly grounded. Once I grounded the receiver the distortion seems to have disappeared (I can't put these up all the way right now its 2AM). Finally, these did not come with the high-end looking audio cables that were pictured.

Other Thoughts: I have to say that you cannot buy better speakers for this price. Try turning up the treble and volume all the way on your current speakers and listen to how much hiss and buzz you hear. Also, you need to let these speakers breathe, if you place them too close to the wall you may notice that they sound too "boomy" and fatiguing. I would have given these a 5-Star review if only the highs impressed me as they did with the original M200's.

Pros: These are a really excellent pair of powered monitors for the price. If you want massive, gut thumping bass, you can get a cheap Logitech 2.1 system, but for really listening to music these are fantastic, and there is no lack of bass for normal music.

Being monitors, they aren't suited for filling a room with sound, but rather, listening to them while sitting in a particular spot. Despite their largish size, they are designed to be placed in an approximately triangular formation with the listener's head... perfect for listening at the computer. This isn't a flaw - the payback is awesome sound when you use them correctly.

Cons: Cosmetically, they aren't beautiful. In fact, they could be called ugly. The faux wood side panels aren't too convincing up close, and the general design is utilitarian at best. They are also quite large, which is something to consider if you are tight on desk space.

But hey, you shouldn't buy speakers for the looks at any price, and this price for these monitors is a steal.

Pros: I actually own a MkI generation set of these speakers, but as long as they did not go backwards, I know these will be awesome. The sound is definitely in a class above what others call "good" computer speakers. The clarity will amaze while the volume will not disappoint. The amplifier is perfect for any medium size room (maybe 12x12ish). I find no faults with bass/mid/treble; truly above my expectations.

Cons: Since these are pretty big speakers, they do not fit easily on a small desk, and the included cord wasn't long enough to put them in too remote a location.

Other Thoughts: Anyone considering these should make sure to note the return policy; it's not newegg's usual. I always get comments on how nice the cabinets look; very classy. If you are someone who is spoiled by hi-fi, I can't say these will replace a $3000 set-up, but they are a really great value. Sure my Paradigm bookshelves sound better, but for dorm rooms and the like, you're looking at the best in my opinion.