Short answer: the HiVi Swans 3.1A Sehlin Sound Solutions mod. It ranks #97 of 222 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 3.9/5, at $364.99. The Parts Express Samba MT ranks #141, rated 3.6/5, at $329.96, $35.03 cheaper, not enough of a saving to outweigh the sound-quality gap.
The HiVi Swans 3.1A Sehlin Sound Solutions mod is the more accurate option. An upgraded three-way DIY kit with smooth sound, wide dispersion and clean bass for a 6.5 inch woofer. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 5.80 against 4.46 for the Parts Express Samba MT. The tradeoff: Some directivity error appears around 2.1kHz on-axis.
The Parts Express Samba MT is the deeper-bass option. An affordable two-way speaker kit with Dayton Reference drivers, deep bass for a bookshelf and wide dispersion. Its bass reaches about 45.4Hz before falling 3dB, against 60Hz for the HiVi Swans 3.1A Sehlin Sound Solutions mod. Watch for: The listening window spans 6.0dB between 300Hz and 5kHz in Erin’s Audio Corner’s measurements, less even than the best speakers here, and the preference score only reaches 6.27 with an ideal subwoofer.
Buy the HiVi Swans 3.1A Sehlin Sound Solutions mod. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $35.03 with the Parts Express Samba MT does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
Measured Differences
- Close enough not to matter: bass extension (38 Hz vs 33.7 Hz, 10 dB down).
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Specifications Side By Side
| HiVi Swans 3.1A Sehlin Sound Solutions mod | Parts Express Samba MT | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $364.99 per pair for the kit (assembly required) | $329.96 per pair |
| Ranked | #97 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #141 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 38Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 33.7Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 45.4Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal, 3.8 ohms minimum (measured, Audio Science Review) | 4 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified) |
| Drivers | 6.5” Kevlar woofer, 2” Dome midrange, 1” Soft Dome tweeter | Dayton Audio RS180P-4 7” paper woofer, RST28F-4 1-1/8” fabric dome tweeter |
| Sensitivity | 86.5dB (measured, Audio Science Review) | 87dB 1W/1m (manufacturer specified) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported |
| Weight | 13.7 lbs (6.2 kg) | - |
| Dimensions | 16.5”H x 8.5”W x 13”D (420.0 x 215.0 x 330.0 mm) | 15”H x 8.5”W x 11.7”D (381 x 216 x 298 mm) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.8 (derived from ASR thread measurement data) | 4.46 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.6 (derived from ASR thread measurement data) | 6.27 |
| DIY Kit | Yes | Yes |
| Frequency Response | - | 40Hz-20kHz (manufacturer specified) |
| Power Handling | - | 70W RMS, 140W max (manufacturer specified) |
Where the Ratings Come From
- HiVi Swans 3.1A Sehlin Sound Solutions mod: reviews by Audio Science Review Swans.
- Parts Express Samba MT: Spinorama.org measurements and reviews by Erin’s Audio Corner.
This comparison is generated from the ratings, specifications and measurements on each product’s own page, and it updates when that data changes. How we rank explains how each rating is decided.
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