Rockets vs. Polk

JWBurns

I know it's a Polk forum, but I would like to hear some comments from people who have personally auditioned any of the Onix Rocket line of speakers. I would like to hear some of your observations in comparison to the Rti or Lsi line of Polks.

Just expanding some options... Thanks

PolknPepsi

I've wondered about this too......dont they use similar tweeters?

audiobliss

Hmm, good question. I've heard some good things about the Onix stuff. Come on, Sean...what do ya think?

2+2

This channel Sean?

audiobliss

Oh phooey. Dad changed the channel and I forgot which one I was on!! :eek:

RuSsMaN

It's not some industry secret. Danny from GR research is going to be designing speakers for Mark @ AV123. You've got a Rosewood finished 2-way monitor coming for $199, among many other (higher end) models. Mark is getting together with Gary (Dodd) on some projects too.

audiobliss

Sounds very interesting. So did Rocket start off as a relatively small operation like I've gathered Dodd did?

aaharvel

welcome back Russ. Thought you were gone for good. Place wasn't the same without ya

audiobliss

^^ Amen. Really good to see you active. Please stick around. I'm overwhelmed whenever your door cracks open and I'm blinded by your vast amount of knowledge shining through. We need ya.

RuSsMaN

Don't get used to it, I'm not 'back', I just felt the need to comment on this one. Carry on with the discussion.

nadams

You guys, seriously. I think you might be a bit overbearing here... Get my drift? Let the man come and go as he pleases... If every time he makes a post people are all "GASP, Russ is BACK!!!!", he might just get tired of it, eh?

But yeah, I have nothing really further to add to this thread

RuSsMaN

Danny will be responsible for the 'good' sounding speakers. Call them whatever line you want. Rosewood was the order of the day at the Denver show, and per Danny, Gary, and Mark - that IS the deal.

You forget these guys are in my backyard. I eat big fecal-like beef egg rolls at Thai restaurants with these mofos. Regardless, it will be a good thing for the end users, and even better for the three stooges.

nadams

fecal-like beef egg rolls at Thai restaurants? sounds like something that would keep me in the fecal disposal room for days....

RuSsMaN

Like I said, he will be responsible for the 'good' sounding speakers. I won't get into a name-dropping, I heard this, you heard that debate. If you want to play the 'industry insider' roll, be my guest. I don't sweat that kind of stuff. Only advice I can give, if it's breaking news, break it - don't 'sit' on it.

TroyD

Was that some thunder being reallocated?

BDT

JWBurns

RuSsMaN wrote:

Danny will be responsible for the 'good' sounding speakers. Call them whatever line you want. Rosewood was the order of the day at the Denver show, and per Danny, Gary, and Mark - that IS the deal.

You forget these guys are in my backyard. I eat big fecal-like beef egg rolls at Thai restaurants with these mofos. Regardless, it will be a good thing for the end users, and even better for the three stooges.

Russ, When you say "these guys in your back yard" are you referring to the designers? As I understand it, the company is located in Boulder. I live here in Plano... I'd love to hear a demo on these speaks if at all possible.

Back on topic... Anyone have anything to add?

RuSsMaN

Sent you an email broham.

TroyD

Big Balla.....SHOT CALLA

BDT

jdhdiggs

To the original question, if you are talking about the standard "Rocket" line, they compare very well with polk and are a touch less laid back than the LSi's and more laid back than the RTi series. I would put them about midway between the two polk lines in quality. The Onix reference line is a half step up from the LSi line IMHO

PolknPepsi

jdhdiggs wrote:

To the original question, if you are talking about the standard "Rocket" line, they compare very well with polk and are a touch less laid back than the LSi's and more laid back than the RTi series. I would put them about midway between the two polk lines in quality. The Onix reference line is a half step up from the LSi line IMHO

Thanks jdhdiggs.....interesting.

madmax

RuSsMaN is back!!!

I've heard both the LSi HT setups (various components in different systems) and the Rockets in an HT setup. Similar components to drive them. I thought they sounded very similar. Without knowing all that goes into the polks design I would be likely to buy either one but after the polk tour... I guess I would own LSi's. Of course I've never toured Onix to see what they do.
madmax

jdhdiggs

PolknPepsi wrote:

Thanks jdhdiggs.....interesting.

NP, If I was to start a new a build an HT/Living room, I'd start would seriously consider the rockets and LSi's.

2+2

Well, for what its worth, couple members here have been inquiring me about my Rocket 750sig.ed. through PMs before this post. Here are my responses to their inquiries slightly edited to read better:

I got the rockets b/c I wanted floor standers to replace my LSi7s and sub set up that would sound great (read vifa ring radiators) and look even better..(I strongly prefer sound of floorstanders over a sub). I like them quite a bit..I have not A/Bed agaist the LSi15s...as I am afraid that I will want to upgrade my Marantz 8400 with Rotel (I cant afford to).

My impression is that the rockets sound somewhere between the 7s and the 15s...more forward and brighter than the 15s (about the same in the highs and mids as the 7s), less deep bass that 15s but much more controlled bass...very tight. Obviously, it has a fuller sound and deeper bass than the 7s. They sound good and are a keeper. I have moved the 7s down in to the basement that I just got finished.

To another member:
I have never switched the 750's with the lsi 15's in my primary set up so it is not a fair comparison...it was more of a comparison of the setups. No chance of switching things around either due to my use requirements..

Well, they cannot be compared directly as they are in different systems BUT, nonetheless, IMO, the 750 Sig. Ed. sound closer to LSi7's than the 15s....they are much more forward than the 15s more warmer, laid back sound. The 15s I think sound much more fuller, like larger speakers. 750s sound nice but I do prefer the sound of the 15s in the final analysis.... If you want a decorator's piece with really really good sound, 750s fit the bill nicely....but if you want pretty awesome sound (that demands great equipment), LSi15 win IMO.....

BTW, these 750e on sale as clearout for $900. It is a good price...you will see when you see the craftsmanship on these things...

I hope that helps.
I do note that I have never heard any other Rockets or the LSi9s. Also, I think the LSi15 match better with neutral sounding gear (Rotel in contrast to HK for example) whereas the 750Sig.Ed. matches better with warmer gear (would love to use my HK but does not meet requirements so Marantz is it....which is a bit less warm than the HK in my set ups).

Also, all of the above is MY opinion only and your results may vary...standard disclaimers apply.

gidrah

"I want rockets, plenty of rockets!" - crazy colonel on MASH when his General dies in the arms of Hotlips.