anyone familair with North 4.0 or Swans speakers?

I just ordered a pair of Swan M1 speakers...couldn't resist going back to near field listening.

I echo Blkadr's comments 100%! I am very happy with the M1's! Very fast, ultra clear, and smooth and airy at the same time. Exceptional combination for such a low cost, highly recommended especially for near field (6-8 ft) listening.

I have not heard the Divas, but I have a pair of Swan M1 speakers and the are very good. I got a great deal on a used pair and wanted to use them as a backup while I tried out more expensive speakers. I have listened to lots of speakers and bought and sold a few. The M1s sound more natural than a lot of very well known monitors. They have very high quality woofers and the ribbon tweeters are wonderful. Many system upgrades and I can always hear the difference through the M1s. I dont know why they are not more popular. One thing though, they take a long time to break in. I use mine well out from the back wall full range with a sub, but they work well close to the wall also. PS, I dont know underwoodwally or work for Swan, just a satisfied owner.

Hi,

You mentioned Swan's speakers in header, but not in body of message. I'd strongly consider a pair of Diva's. I have the 3.1's (for some reason not advertised on www.av123.com anymore), would recommned the 2.1 with a sub, or one of the floor standers as well.

Not familiar with Norh series, but, while the Paradigm and Axioms are great for the price (I have heard the Paradigms at a store, and own the Axiom's), you can do better for a little more money. I think the Swan Diva's are a steal for the $$, and even the Swan M-1's that Audiogon user "underwoodwally" sells at $499/pr are great. Depending on your room and desired listening level, they may be a bit inefficient, though.

Although not familiar with the Audio Refinement Complete amp, I used to own the YBA Alpha DT, so I imagine there is a good family resemblance. I think you'd do very well with the Diva's, or a smaller monitor like the Silverlines as well. Couple units used here....I have the SR-12's, they are very nice for the small money, but would need a sub to be at their best.

My long 2 cents, hope it helps.

Todd.

sorry I forgot to mention my associated equiptment, my amp is Audio Refinement the Complete, cd is sony with MSB Dac Link 111, and Nordost wires, thanks Nick