have had approximately $70K of gear pass in and out of my hands during that time. My current speakers retail for $9K and I have owned at least four other pairs of speakers that surpass $4K, including one for $10K. I have owned several $k worth of amplification as well. My current amp is only $800. Yes, it does the $9K speakers justice, amazingly so.
Some years ago, I chanced upon the Onix/AV123 brand and decided to try it out. I went with RS750 sigs, along wth RSS300, RS150, RS200 (the famed 'bigfoot'), UFW sub and later, some ELTs which I never used but sold a year later. This was for my first HT room (separate from the music room, which was then my real passion). I did try out the 750s in my main system for a short time, with what I recall to be around $5K in amplification.
Back in the HT room (projector, 100" screen), I used these speakers with moderate AV receivers for a while. HK7200, Panny XR50, Denon 28something, etc. Although I enjoy experimenting with gear in my audio system, my intention for HT was to buy once and forget about anything else for the loong term.
Below, I will quote some of the people in this thread so far, and offer my comments. I understand there will be many who will find issue with what I have to say. That's ok. I'm not pushing any agenda, and will neither benefit nor lose based on what I (or you) say. My apologies for not citing names with the quotes, but they will be easy to research if you wish.
==========================
Visually the finish on both systems are done really well, though I like the shape of the rocket a little better. After considering the 2-4x price difference between the B&W and Rockets, I went with the Rockets and don't regret it.
I have heard B&W, both high and low end. I did not like them enough to buy them either, but they do have good sound quality. I feel they are somewhat overhyped, but not too much. Buying Rockets, however, left me feeling shortchanged based on sound quality (SQ). Yes, their finish is very nice and if you are buying gear based on looks alone, these offer above-average value for money. However, to me it is all about SQ. Looks are nice but they come a distant second to SQ.
You don't find too many companies that you can ask the owner directly about new products. His passion for quality/affordable audio is unmatched in the industry.
True, to a point. My reading is that MLS is a brilliant marketer and a fairly nice guy to boot. He makes himself available quite a bit, and often rides the forums threads on his site. I would offer the POV that he may be passionate, but not to the extent that he forgets it is a business. As many might point out, not that there's anything wrong with that. However, I would like to correct the scattered opinion that he is Santa in mufti.
Incredible "deal" on speakers that nobody has ever heard of - CHECK etc (ironic post).
I agree with this poster by and large. The OP does smell fishy to me, but it may be legit. Granted he doesn't work there, but maybe he's closely related to someone who does? We'll never know.
You're right to be skeptical, but in the end, this deal is legit. And yes, you can tel the difference between these speakers and the fry's Polk deals, and the Best Buy Klipsch. Whether you care or not will inform how you make you home theater purchases.
Interesting about the Polks. I bought the 300s just last month at about $70 each, for a home that I am selling and need some speakers in, mainly for looks but they should have decent sound. The Polks deliver very well in this regard. Giveaway price (literally in my case, as I will be giving them away), quite good (but not outrageous) looks and ok SQ. Just what I needed for this purpose, but I wouldn't use them for myself. Bass is bloaty and clarity is weaker than average. I can't think of any Onix speakers that would fit my bill as well (would have to spend more to get equivalent SQ, (even to the Polks!), although better looks would come along for the ride - but you know how I feel about that).
I used to have a pair of REF1. They good okay speakers, but not as good as their hypes. As for price, I heard there is a "1/4 cost rule" in audio products, so at 50% off, they should still have 100% margin.
Well said, and my industry friends can confirm the numbers.
If you love music or home theatre understand these speakers are by all accounts EXTREMELY good sounding and looking.
Quite good looking, depending on your taste. Good sounding- no. Not even for the price. Honest.
Resale is iffy -- Onix/Rockets are a relatively unknown brand compared to Klipsch for example. You might be able to fetch a decent resale value on specialized audio forums such as Audiogon, AVS Forum, or even on AV123's own forum in their classified area.
Resale IS iffy, and that is largely a function of the fact that those in the know, know that AV123 often blows out inventory, either as 'B stock' or 'specials', such as now. Thus, they compare resale to the sale price when new, not list price. Fair enough, but that is why resale is lower compared to list price vs other brands. Know this going in. There is no free lunch.
This seems like the HostPC of speakers. They are always having a 2 for 1 or half off sale. So you feel really stupid if you paid full price.
See above. Yes, never pay full price for these. During the year or so I hung around the AV123 forum, I would say I observed (casually, of course) that perhaps 90% of owners had bought the speakers on sale.
These are beautifully made and sound insane.
Er, no. They are made in China, with reasonable build quality but with some disappointing QC experience on my part. See further below.
Isn't there some sort of rule against self-promoting? The post seems okay but I feel like I just sat through a sleazy sales pitch...
Ditto.
