Onix Ref 1 vs Paradigm Studio 20?

[padeiro]

Has anyone listened to both of these speakers and could give me a comparison between the 2. I am about to buy the Studio 20 V3 from my dealer but saw that the Ref 1s are on sale currently. I am going to be running them for music only and have an SVS PB2 Plus to pick up the low end. Thanks

 

[Seth=L]

Someone on the forum replaced his Studio 20's with AV123's Onix X-LS and likes the X-LS better if that tells you anything, of course it is all very subjective.

 

[emorphien]

I'd probably choose AV123 over Paradigm even though I haven't heard the AV123 speakers. I'm not that big of a fan of Paradigm, personally.

 

[speakerman39]

Has anyone listened to both of these speakers and could give me a comparison between the 2. I am about to buy the Studio 20 V3 from my dealer but saw that the Ref 1s are on sale currently. I am going to be running them for music only and have an SVS PB2 Plus to pick up the low end. Thanks

As a former Studio 20 v.3 owner I must say the 20's are amazing. Lots of bang for your buck as they are quite musical to say the least. I have never heard the Ref-1's but am somewhat familiar with the Vifa Ring Radiator type tweeter because Tyler Acoustics uses it in their entry-level Freedom Line. I feel comfortable saying that the tweeter used in the Ref-1's is better than the Paradigm tweeter. That is, the ring radiator tweeter used in the Ref-1's is a bit more airy and smooth as well as being quite extended. Of course, I am assuming the Ref-1's tweeter sounds as good, if not better, than that being used in Tyler Acoustics " Freedom Line ". In other words, if the Ref-1 tweeter has a similiar X-over set-up with respect to the Tyler Acoustic Freedom F-1's then imho the Paradigm tweeter is NOT quite as good. Keep in mind that I am only referring to the Studio 20 v.3's as I am aware that the all new v.4 versions are using the tweeter that was formerly being used in the Signature Series-this could change things dramtically BUT not sure because I have not heard them yet. I do hope to soon. Good luck in your decision.

 

[Nick250]

There is no way to make quality decision other than by auditioning them both. It's way too subjective for a music only system IMO. Buy both and send the loser back. As a Studio 20 owner I would be very interested in hearing the results of such a test.

Nick

 

[billnchristy]

What will your listening position be? I ask because the vifa needs room to stretch out and if you are going nearfield I personally would not reccommend them.

Note, I dont have refs. but my rockets have a vifa ring and sound horrible up close, incredible from afar. (my seating is about 9-10 feet from speaker)

 

[bandit]

If I recall correctly - AV123 offers a 30 day trial on their speakers. Do you think your dealer will let you bring home the studio 20's for even a couple of days? That way maybe you could do a side by side comparison. Just a thought.....

 

[jcPanny]

Onix Ref 1's

I have the Onix Ref 1's and recommend them. I have not done a direct comparison with the studio 20's, but for whatever it is worth, the vinyle on the studios rates way behind the real rosewood veneer in asthetics. I think you'd have to buy the digms used to get a comparable price to the current sale on the Ref 1's.

Also note, AV123 just went risk free on their bookshelf speakers so you might be able to arrange an in-home shootout and let your ears decide.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Yep, give them both a try ;you are likley to be impressed with either. I am amazed by the natural sound of the paradigms but would love to see some one compare the 2.

 

[padeiro]

Thanks for the information. I am going to demo both @ my house and will report back in a couple of weeks.

 

[Joey_V]

Heard both extensively.

The Ref1s are brighter in many aspects and it is this brightness that makes or breaks the speaker. I feel, however, that with the right equipment, meaning tubes either in the preamp or amp, the Ref1s are the better speaker.

 

[PatrickBateman]

Heard both extensively.

The Ref1s are brighter in many aspects and it is this brightness that makes or breaks the speaker. I feel, however, that with the right equipment, meaning tubes either in the preamp or amp, the Ref1s are the better speaker.

Joey or anyone else,

Since you have heard both the Ref1 and the Studio 20v4, do you think they are both hard to drive. I know that the Ref1 is 4ohms and the Studio 20 is 8ohms, but I didnt know how much power they actually need.
Thanks

 

[toquemon]

I own a pair of Onix Ref 1 and I recommend them over the Paradigms based on much better bass extension of the Ref's and better, more natural highs and soundstage. Also, the cabinet of the Ref 1 is much better than the one in the Studio 20.

There is a little problem: the Ref'1 are rated 88 db/w and 4 Ohms nominal impedance, which can be an issue with poorly designed amps or receivers and medium or large listening rooms. I use them with a vintage Linn power amp and it really makes them sing.

 

[rnatalli]

Thanks for the information. I am going to demo both @ my house and will report back in a couple of weeks.

Good decision. It's the only way to be sure. These are two very different speakers.