Center Channel to go with Onix Ref 1 monitors

[lucassean]

Hello

Can anybody recommend the best matching center channel speaker to accompany a pair of Onix Ref. 1 monitors. They came with a package from AV123 I got a couple of years ago. I can't find their Ref. 100 center channel anywhere. What would be something close? Thanks, Chris.

 

[jostenmeat]

Hello

Can anybody recommend the best matching center channel speaker to accompany a pair of Onix Ref. 1 monitors. They came with a package from AV123 I got a couple of years ago. I can't find their Ref. 100 center channel anywhere. What would be something close? Thanks, Chris.

The best matching center channel is actually another Onix Ref 1 monitor. Good luck. Yeah, you might have to buy a pair, and just have one sitting around... at least until you sell the pairs off, or at least you have spare/extra parts for the time being.

 

[droht]

Chris, I would agree about another 1, but you can also keep an eye open for a used 100. av123 forum classifieds are open. Another good place to look is Tweak City Audio classfieds. Lots of ex av123ers hang out there. I've see a few for sale, and sold one myself, earlier this year.

You also may want to check out this thread: link. Onix products are once again being distributed in the US, but it sounds like they don't have the 100 available at this point.

 

[droht]

Here is a link to a piano black ref100 that was listed for sale a little while back. You may have to talk the seller into shipping it, but it's a good deal for $300 if black works for you.

 

[lucassean]

Thanks

Thanks guys for the great info. I called AV123 yesterday. They had a warranty issue on a ref 100 rosewood which is my color. He's going to get back to me today. He also said the ELT525C uses similar drivers to the ref100 so it would be an option. I feel really bad for the guy in MI. That's a sweetheart deal he's got, but seems shipping would be a problem. We'll see. Thanks again!!

 

[Groch]

lucassean,

I have an interesting alternative for your Reference Center Channel challenge.

I cannot post a link as I am new here, but the speaker is an "Audio Pro Bravo CX-02". You can read the most about it on the British: progressive-av dot com site.

Now wait, this is the Danish "Audio Pro" not the "white van speaker" Audio Pro.

It is a Scandinavian designed Chinese assembled center channel that like the Reference series uses a Vifa Ring Tweeter. It is a sealed acoustic suspension design and has a very neutral tonal balance, much like the reference series. I took mine apart and the tweeter looks identical to the Vifa XT25SC30-04, but with an audio pro branding. The woover has a butyl surround, cast basket and a huge magnet assembly with a shielding bucking magnet.

Audio Pro has withdrawn from the U.S. market, so you can find the Bravo CX-02 which sold here for $400-$500 on close out for $70 shipped (just google the model) or from the same dealer on eBay with the current Bing.com rebates for $55 shipped.

Mine arrived today, and am astounded by the quality. It has the same deep black gloss finish as my Mini-stratas, (and comes in the same cloth sack with the same white gloves.). It weighs 21 pounds and is gorgeous. There is a little stand that lets you tilt it up or down. My guess is it is made in the same Chinese factory as the Onix Reference stuff.

I bet it would be a great match, and if you didn't like it you would sure not be out much.

I found out about Audio Pro from an impulse purchase of one of their Allroom systems....they are a genuine audiophile product and it is too bad they could not make it in the U.S.

Groch