5.0 out of 5 stars Incredible Sound Quality at an Unbeatable Price

M. · February 3, 2023

(function() { P.when('cr-A', 'ready').execute(function(A) { if(typeof A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel === 'function') { A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel('review_text_read_more', 'Read more of this review', 'Read less of this review'); } }); })(); .review-text-read-more-expander:focus-visible { outline: 2px solid #2162a1; outline-offset: 2px; border-radius: 5px; } These speakers are breathtaking. I've tried them in two different setups: near-field listening on my desk and on top of ELAC bookshelves with speaker stands. To get the best sound, I recommend placing the speakers on stands and giving them at least 2-3 feet of space from the wall for the rear ports to breathe.For near-field listening, they have detailed and clear mid-range. The treble can be a little fatiguing at this distance, but that can be solved through equalization. Despite the small size of the speakers, the low end is surprisingly good. 80Hz-100Hz is punchy and detailed. 60Hz-70Hz is where it starts to drop off, but it’s still audible at this distance. 40Hz-59Hz drops off harder and is much less audible. Below 40Hz is pretty much non-existent. But what more can you expect from little 4” woofers. Overall the sound signature is quite flat, which I like. As far as imaging and sound stage they are very impressive, they are quite wide with instruments and vocals that don't sound like they're coming directly from the drivers.When placed on speaker stands, the extra room and distance greatly improves the sound quality, making the speakers sound even more impressive. The treble fatigue is reduced, and the low end is improved. The imaging and sound stage are greatly enhanced, and the speakers truly sound massive. Simply incredible.I've connected the speakers in three ways: RCA from my ifi Zen DAC V1, S/PDIF optical from my PC, and Bluetooth. How do each sound? Well, as far as purity, technically optical should sound the best as these speakers use a DSP crossover. So sending them an analog signal is going to get converted back to digital, then the crossover will be applied, then the speaker's internal DAC will convert them back to analog. Personally, I hear no difference between RCA and optical on these speakers. Bluetooth sounds just okay, I believe it's using the AAC codec, though it could be aptX, so it's not going to be as good as LDAC or other Hi-Res codecs.I encountered an issue where the speakers would emit a low-frequency hum if they were turned on and set to the AUX input while the DAC was off. However, since I keep my DAC on all the time, this won't be a concern for me. If this humming sound bothers you, you might want to consider using optical, coaxial, or Bluetooth instead.One thing that would make these speakers even better is if they had an LFE output on the speakers for a subwoofer. But if you use RCA, you could buy a splitter, pass one to the speakers, and the other to a powered sub that has line in. You would need to have a DAC that can act as a preamp otherwise you would have to change volume on the speakers and the sub which would be annoying.My reference speakers are the ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 and Emotiva Airmotiv SE12 with the topping E30 DAC and Yamaha as301 integrated (I wasn’t using the sub for the comparisons as it wouldn’t be fair.) The OS-10s are impressively close in terms of sound quality, with nearly the same imaging, sound stage, and detail as the ELACs. The 100Hz-130Hz range on the OS-10s is actually cleaner than the ELACs. I blind A/B’d between the two and was stunned as there is very little difference. If the ELAC’s are 100% in terms of overall quality then the OS-10’s are 97%. It’s unreal. As Zeos said in his video, if these cost $400, they would still be worth every penny.Note: If you prefer neutral sound, you'll love these speakers. However, if you're a bass head, these speakers may not be for you as it's difficult to connect a subwoofer.My overall ratings based on the price:Sound quality: 10/10Imaging: 9/10Vertical off-axis Imaging: 9/10Horizontal off-axis Imaging: 8/10Sound stage: 9/10Instrumental Separation: 9/10Low end: 9/10Mid range: 10/10Treble: 9/10Features: 8/10 (LFE out would make it a 10)Remote: 8/10 (It works, but you need to point it within 10 degrees of the IR receiver)Value: 10/10Build quality/design: 10/10Overall a 9/10, but considering the sheer value, they are getting an easy 10/10.

5.0 out of 5 stars Hi-Vi Swans OS-10

S. · July 9, 2024

The first aspect that immediately grabs attention with the HiVi Swans OS-10 is its stunning design. The speakers feature a sleek, modern aesthetic that combines a minimalist look with high-end materials.The moderncloth look finish gives the speakers a sophisticated appearance, making them a stylish addition to any room.The build quality is equally impressive, with a solid construction that feels durable and premium.Sound PerformanceThe most striking feature of the OS-10 is its exceptional sound quality. Equipped with a 4-inch mid-bass driver and a 1.1-inch dome tweeter, the OS-10 produces a well-balanced sound signature that excels across various genres of music. The bass is tight and punchy without being overwhelming, the midrange is clear and natural, and the highs are crisp and detailed. The overall audio reproduction is rich and immersive, providing a listening experience that is both engaging and enjoyable.Soundstage and ImagingAnother highlight of the OS-10 is its remarkable soundstage and imaging capabilities. The speakers create a wide and deep soundstage that allows for precise placement of instruments and vocals within the stereo field. This spatial accuracy enhances the listening experience, making it feel as if the music is enveloping the listener. Whether used for music or home theater, the OS-10 excels in delivering a sense of presence and realism.The speakers handle mid-bass frequencies well, electronic or hip-hop,etcI would wholeheartedly recommend these speakers to others. The combination of elegant design, robust build quality, and outstanding audio performance makes them a fantastic choice for both audiophiles and casual listeners. They are particularly well-suited for small to medium-sized rooms and can excel in both music and home theater applications.The attention to detail in the sound reproduction, coupled with the impressive soundstage and imaging, provides a listening experience that is highly satisfying. For those who value high-fidelity sound and a visually appealing speaker design, the HiVi Swans OS-10 is an excellent investment.

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Sound with a Few Flaws!

K. · March 18, 2025

I use these as computer speakers and they’re amazing. I’m not a very big audiophile but I like my music. These speakers sounded shockingly good when I first listened to them. I have them connected via RCA to my PC and positioned perfectly to give a great sound stage. Mids and highs are very clean and surprisingly loud! The lows are obviously missing because they’re only 4” woofers, but they do surprisingly well and fill a room nicely. Comes with an RCA to AUX and an optical cable. They feel quality and the build quality seems nice. Bluetooth works great as well. Only downside is the remote and the lack of volume indicator.The remote is definitely on the cheaper side, it needs to be in direct line of sight and close by. Changing the volume requires a few extra clicks sometimes. I usually use the touch panel anyways so it’s not that big of a deal for me, but for nearly $200, a functioning remote would be nice.There is no volume indicator or feedback sound when changing settings. It would be nice to know the volume level or at least have a noise indication when changing inputs/powering on or off.

Worth every Penny

S. · January 11, 2025

(function() { P.when('cr-A', 'ready').execute(function(A) { if(typeof A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel === 'function') { A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel('review_text_read_more', 'Read more of this review', 'Read less of this review'); } }); })(); .review-text-read-more-expander:focus-visible { outline: 2px solid #2162a1; outline-offset: 2px; border-radius: 5px; } The media could not be loaded. I waited a long time & did a LOT of research before trying these.The video is via Bluetooth by the way.*Tip* If you find them quiet, go to the speaker and turn up beyond 100% (little quirk I guess)One of the speakers is behind the couch on a table.

Impressive

R. · May 5, 2025

I really loved the sound from these speakers. Love the fact that they have all kinds of inputs to play audio. I didn’t notice much drop in quality through Bluetooth either. I’m using Spotify and tuning up the equalizers in the Spotify, it’s working well to fine tune the sound to my liking. Out of the box sound is also very well balanced.They seem to have a quality built. Haven’t noticed any hissing or rattling yet. I could not expect a better speaker for this price.The areas of improvement:There is no subwoofer output that makes connecting a subwoofer a bit tricky but not very hard or expensive. I will try a powered subwoofer on it eventually.My other complaint is that they are not offering other speakers in the Canadian market, which does not induce much confidence in the buyers mind.Other than that, it’s a great product and I give it 5 stars.

So Clean

C.S. · October 3, 2024

I bought these for computer speakers now that I am permanently working from home. I am replacing a Creative 5.1 system which I always thought sounded pretty decent. That is till I plugged these speakers in and switched back and forth. The OS-10's sound amazing!!! With optical, coaxial, and RCA inputs along with BT, I can hook my personal desktop, my work laptop, and my phone into them. They have pretty good range, but only thing that could make these better as desktop speakers would be a sub output on them. Love them.

Great sound but mine rattles

a. · April 16, 2025

these speakers sound amazing considering their price and they don't take up much real estate on my desk which is perfect. I really love them but one of my speakers rattles when playing something with low bass. I got rid of the packaging right away because they sounded amazing and I didn't notice anything but then I was listening to Mac Miller Circles and the beginning has low bass tones and my speaker started to buzz and rumble and after opening up the box I was able to play the song with the speaker detached from the housing and it sounds flawless but when assembled the rattling/buzzing happens. I tried tightening all the screws inside but that didn't work. I would send it back if I had the packaging but since I dont I will try to fix it later. Normal video editing of dialogue has no issues which is what I use these for.

Good sound when on speaker stands, lacks some basic standards

P.G. · June 10, 2024

I like the sound of these speakers when on speaker stands in a small room but that is not what I bought such a small speaker for. These were meant to be on a small computer desk. The issue on the desk is voices are bloated sounding and there is no bass or treble control to make basic adjustments which I'd expect for speakers in this price range/category. This can be improved slightly by pulling the speakers away from the wall further or putting them on desk stands but I don't have space for that. Also there is no physical on and off switch and these speakers are always generating some heat even when shut off by the remote as the top of the speaker that has power is always warm to the touch. I found the touch controls cumbersome for my large fingers also. They have been returned.