Onix Ref 1 review, as promised

Schwingding

My current bedroom setup:

Jolida SJ302A tube amp
Denon 2910 universal player
Onix Ref 1 Monitor speakers
Velodyne Minivee sub

I replaced a set of ref .5s with the ref 1s. No comparison, though the ref .5s are nice, they are about 1/2 the size and weight and don't image well. They have no low end at all.

The ref 1s are easily the 2nd best speakers I've had, the first being my Strata Minis. The Minis literally startle you with accuracy and clarity. The ref 1s sound wonderful without that extra little bit that makes you go "whoa". No surprise that the Minis startle with ribbon tweeters and planar magnetic drivers.

The ref 1s throw a marvelously detailed soundstage, it is very easy to discern where the various instruments are placed, some well outside of the speakers, some well inside. You get a lot of that "third center speaker" sound when appropriate. Low frequencies are reproduced well, but they still benefitted from the addition of the Velodyne sub. Not necessary - but beneficial. Not only do they do vertical imaging well, but depth of soundstage is also apparent, despite my speakers being spaced about 5 feet apart and my listening position being nearly 10 feet away. Not the best of conditions.

Female vocal reproduction is outstanding! Saxaphone sounds particularly good and cymbals do give you a startling sensation with their clarity - the notes seem to hang in the air.

These are definitely reference class speakers in a small package. I cannot compare them to any of the LS class Polks, but if you heard these, you would not want to return to your RTi line.

They can be had new at av123.com for $1599, but AV123 is running a special of these speakers plus the wonderful Melody SP3 tube amp for $1199!!!!!!!! I may take advantage of that because those are both truly wonderful products that my Mom would enjoy for her birthday in November. She comes over to listen to Strata Minis regularly. I purchased mine used for $500 shipped from the av123forum.com classifieds.

I would def buy another pair. Search for reviews of these speakers online, there are many.

dane_peterson

Right on, thanks for the review. That package deal is definitely the way to go.