I have heard and considered Swan Diva's. But if it's internals are the same as a 20K speaker, then show me that speaker and show me its buyer because I've got a few things they might be interested in. I would say the 6.1's have the typical parts for a speaker in its price range and maybe twice as much...depending. But if I'm not mistaken most of its parts can be found at Parts Express, price them for yourself but a 20K speaker it shouldn't make unless the enclosure is finished with gold. But again it's the sum of the parts that matter and they do make a nice sounding product with an attractive finish and is one to be considered within its price range.
The proverbial "giant killer"
As I research a new pair of speakers, I was intrigued to read about loudspeakers from companies like Triangle (France) and Swans (China). These companies seem to be offering exceptional technology at fair prices. They all manufacture their own drivers, so they are not buying standard, third-party production units and installing them in furniture grade cabinets. I’m beginning to think there are some practical explanations for their ability to offer what might be considered high-end products at a reasonable cost, one of which has a big impact; namely economies of scale.
I work for a high-end manufacturer of PC components, so amortization of costs based on production forecasts is not new to me. I also have a custom cabinetmaker as a neighbor, so I have a good idea what it would cost to construct a nice, well braced, furniture grade cabinet. I believe a big part of the reason that a small floor-standing, 2-way speaker would cost $20K is that there is a tremendous amount of research and development expenses being amortized into a very low forecast of sales. As sales volumes rise, the price of the system falls. A company like Swans, on the other hand, with massive manufacturing and sales capacity, could offer similar technology for 1/10th the price.
The reason I raise this point is that I’m curious about companies like Triangle and Swans…..Swans, for example, seems to offer “high end” products, and they even manufacture their own drivers, but their economies of scale evidently allow them to offer products at very, very competitive prices. I read where someone actually dissected a pair of Swans Diva 6.1 speakers clad in genuine rosewood, and found the parts quality (driver, crossover, cabinet construction, etc.) to be as good as the typical $20K system. Are these products overlooked by audiophiles because of their origin? Is it their low prices?
My question is, are speakers from the likes of Swans and Triangle truly “giant killer” products that are being overlooked by audiophiles for unjustified reasons?
I work for a high-end manufacturer of PC components, so amortization of costs based on production forecasts is not new to me. I also have a custom cabinetmaker as a neighbor, so I have a good idea what it would cost to construct a nice, well braced, furniture grade cabinet. I believe a big part of the reason that a small floor-standing, 2-way speaker would cost $20K is that there is a tremendous amount of research and development expenses being amortized into a very low forecast of sales. As sales volumes rise, the price of the system falls. A company like Swans, on the other hand, with massive manufacturing and sales capacity, could offer similar technology for 1/10th the price.
The reason I raise this point is that I’m curious about companies like Triangle and Swans…..Swans, for example, seems to offer “high end” products, and they even manufacture their own drivers, but their economies of scale evidently allow them to offer products at very, very competitive prices. I read where someone actually dissected a pair of Swans Diva 6.1 speakers clad in genuine rosewood, and found the parts quality (driver, crossover, cabinet construction, etc.) to be as good as the typical $20K system. Are these products overlooked by audiophiles because of their origin? Is it their low prices?
My question is, are speakers from the likes of Swans and Triangle truly “giant killer” products that are being overlooked by audiophiles for unjustified reasons?