Has anyone compared Microlab to Swans speakers before ?

Recently bought myself a pair of M200MkIII finally.

While its still being run in, here's my opinion.

1. If placed on the computer table, resonance may create more booming effect. My original placement was on the computer table, but only 6 inches away from the wall behind, so booming effect of the bass is very apparent. I have to tune down the bass.

2. So I tried to place away from the wall (about 1 meter away), and placed them on a proper heavy speaker stand. Bass finally is much more natural, no booming, and tighter.

3. Mid is prominent for this Speaker, High is there, but controlled. That makes it very coloured, suitable for mid range music play, either vocals, instrumental and other fine listening.

4. I still think perhaps a reasonably good DAC would be helpful to being out the best of this. I used a cheap DAC bought from here (lowyat), diyed by a forumner long ago. Its still very effective. I did not compare with other DAC.

5. Will it replace a real passive with good Amp? My answer is no. I placed this PC right opposite another floor stander speakers (XTZ) run by NAD HT Amt all the time. So comparison can be made almost instantly. While M200Mkiii makes a good PC speaker with great emphasis on good sounds, it still not easy to replace a decent Amt and passive speakers. But since I do not have the benefit of using great DAC for comparison, I can't make absolute conclusion on this.

I may one day drive it from my NAD pre-amp out one day just for kick. And see how it fairs.

Conclusions:

M200MKIII is a massive improvement for any PC speaker set up that require very good HiFi grade listening, especially on music, rock, instrumental or even ochestra alike. Speaker placement is very important to neutralise the bass, if possible, dedicated speaker stands would be preferable.

What I would do to control the bass would be, lets see, stuff some sponge on the vent outlet to see if that works. I will provide feedback on that.

Finally, with that kind of money, one should also invest in a good DAC to drive this speaker.