For a gift...Swans or Audioengine?

[evu325]

Trying to find a gift for my brother as his ancient Altec Lansing speakers are failing and developing an unpleasant beige tint typical of 90s electronics. Right now I'm looking at either the Audioengine A2 or the Swan M200 since they're both around $200. I have the M200s and I'm very pleased with them, but I've always been intrigued by the A2s given their tiny footprint and having heard the A5s. The M200s aren't the greatest looking speakers and they're huge for a desktop, although this isn't too much of a factor. He listens to purely alternative/rock music, so if anyone has any idea which of the two would be more "fun" to listen to that'd help a lot!

There have been some people who have heard both the A2 and A5 (more than the M200 and the A2 at least) so impressions given based on that comparison are also very helpful -

 

[7even]

I did enjoy my M200s. They're great

 

[TheNewGuy8]

The A2s are quite attractive, and their sound is very quality with the exception, imo, of a boxiness and small-ness that is just a factor of their size. A few quirks though - the volume knob is real hard to get to (on the back), and no headphone out.