Onix/AV123 Rockets

mhartman29

Does anyone have any experience with them? I'm curious how they measure up to the LSI series.

Terrax

I haven't posted here in quite a while, but after seeing this post I thought I would chime. I have two pair of RS550 Mk II's, one pair of RS750 Signatures, RSC200 (Bigfoot) center channel, three UFW-10's (subs), one pair of Ref 1's, and a SP3 II tube amp. So yeah, I think I have a tad bit experience with Rockets and Onix.

How do they compare to the LSi's? They don't hold a candle to them. Hell... IMO My RTi 150's can put them to shame on certain material. Don't get me wrong, they are good sounding speakers, but I would not have what all I have if I hadn't gotten some incredibly good deals.

To anyone that might be interested, I may be looking to unload some of the items mentioned at some point. Just checking interest before I put any real thought into it. PM only, plz.

mightymouse

That's interesting. I was browsing through some other forums, and there were some very vocal people who repeatedly said that the Rockets are better than the LSi's. In particular, the Onix Reference bookshelf is worlds and leagues better than the LSi9.

How do your Reference speakers sound?

dorokusai

I've found that where you have product sponsorship and/or heavy customer interaction, you usually get some love. That's no different than most forums and Club Pok would be no exception.

A bunch of Audio Circle sponsors, for example, have alot of front line, direct contact with the user group thru public forum activity. That tends to motivate new or potential customers as well as provide a sounding board for existing owners and fans. I like that dynamic very much even though in some places you encounter some bias....that's not uncommon and it happens here as well from time to time.

Polk Audio isn't the most loved manufacturer outside of this place and I encounter that on a daily basis but it's slowly changing as time goes on.

markmarc

I had the RS 450's hooked up to my Onix SP3 for a review. IMHO, the Rockets are better than the RTi line, but don't have the depth of the LSi's. But only your ears will give you the final decision.

iskandam

I haven't listened to the Rockets yet but I was interested in their new open-baffle speakers for HT use. I was close to pulling the trigger on them but ended up upgrading to the LSi's instead.

Seems that nobody in my area has them yet so I couldn't audition them. I'm glad I made the move to LSi's though. I'm finally completely satisfied with my HT and don't see the need to upgrade again anytime soon

Terrax

dorokusai wrote: »

I've found that where you have product sponsorship and/or heavy customer interaction, you usually get some love. That's no different than most forums and Club Pok would be no exception.

A bunch of Audio Circle sponsors, for example, have alot of front line, direct contact with the user group thru public forum activity. That tends to motivate new or potential customers as well as provide a sounding board for existing owners and fans. I like that dynamic very much even though in some places you encounter some bias....that's not uncommon and it happens here as well from time to time.

Polk Audio isn't the most loved manufacturer outside of this place and I encounter that on a daily basis but it's slowly changing as time goes on.

Well said, doro. Long time no talkie. Hope your doing well and prosperous

dorokusai

I'm doing well man....where have you been hiding?

Terrax

The Rockets are good speaks, but they have whole different sound than Polk's do. And I happen to like both, but for different reasons. The Rockets (IMO) have a more "in your face" sound when comparing the 550's to LSi's or even RTi's, a little more on the "bright" side. And I'm talking about running on the same gear. Polk's seem to be more enveloping, smooth. The Sig. 750's are somewhere in the middle, and I find them very pleasing to listen to on a much broader scale of material.

As for the Ref's, well..... they are a very interesting speaker, but I would much rather mate them with tubes than try and listen to them for a sustained time on conventional amps.

Mark's newer Strata Mini, is something I would like to get me paws on though.

On a side note, Mark's (Rocket, Onix, AV123) followers tend to be on the very vocal side of any mention of those products. And one that if you happen to suggest mis-aligning yourself with, be prepared for a full frontal.

Terrax

dorokusai wrote: »

I'm doing well man....where have you been hiding?

Under a mountain of work and spousal love, or is it the other way around? Hm....... lol Too many hobbies bro, too many hobbies.

Texas42

I guess a lot depends on which speakers you are comparing....For example I recently (within the last two months) owned the LSi-25s, LSi-15s and Onix Rocket 850s. The Onix are definitely more 'attractive' speakers and I preferred their sound to the 15s, but probably liked the 25s a bit more. However, I now own a pair of Onix Mini Stratas (see pics) which are FAR superior to the LSI-25s in every way. Maybe I prefer the sound of a ribbon midrange and tweeter to the more standard dynamic drivers but the Onix definitely have a smoother, deeper, more 3 dimensional soundstage. The Mini Stratas also have a powered woofer in the back which gives it a solid foundation (like the 25s). I also think the Onix in rosewood is a very attractive speaker. I haven't used them for HT use yet so can't give a straight up comparison to the LSI-25s in that regard. I do think the LSI-25s are better for HT use than 2 channel so I bet it would be a good matchup with (perhaps) the 25s coming out on top thanks to the deeper bass output. Just my two cents based on my room and preferences.

dorokusai

Terrax wrote: »

Under a mountain of work and spousal love, or is it the other way around? Hm....... lol Too many hobbies bro, too many hobbies.

I feel your pain. Drop me an email sometime, nice to see you.

I'm interested in the open baffle design I heard about from Danny and the crew. Russman has some inside scoop but he's tight lipped.

Terrax

Texas42 wrote: »

I guess a lot depends on which speakers you are comparing....For example I recently (within the last two months) owned the LSi-25s, LSi-15s and Onix Rocket 850s. The Onix are definitely more 'attractive' speakers and I preferred their sound to the 15s, but probably liked the 25s a bit more. However, I now own a pair of Onix Mini Stratas (see pics) which are FAR superior to the LSI-25s in every way. Maybe I prefer the sound of a ribbon midrange and tweeter to the more standard dynamic drivers but the Onix definitely have a smoother, deeper, more 3 dimensional soundstage. The Mini Stratas also have a powered woofer in the back which gives it a solid foundation (like the 25s). I also think the Onix in rosewood is a very attractive speaker. I haven't used them for HT use yet so can't give a straight up comparison to the LSI-25s in that regard. I do think the LSI-25s are better for HT use than 2 channel so I bet it would be a good matchup with (perhaps) the 25s coming out on top thanks to the deeper bass output. Just my two cents based on my room and preferences.

Yeah, the Strata Mini has been on my wish list since long before they became available. And yes, the finishes of the Rockets are something to behold, and all of mine are in the African Macassar Ebony which doesn't seem to be available now.

The x-statik Open Baffle does look interesting and I may have to start doing some calls about it soon.

mhartman29

Terrax, you should have posted this yesterday while the x-series were still on sale!!! I would have told you to go make those calls IMMEDIATELY to get in on the current prices before the increase. Maybe if you beg Mark you can still get 'em.