Onix Reference-1 upgrade to the 2.1 system

[washburn]

Before - Onix x-ls :

NOW: Onix Reference-1 monitors: (Thanks, Obie !!!)

 

[T2T]

Good stuff. Nice upgrade. I'm sure you've noted a better sound stage with the Onix - and, a bit cleaner sound. Not that the X-LS were anything to complain about.

 

[washburn]

Thanks, t2t.

I had tested Ref-1s before (borrowed a pair from an owner) and knew alraedy how great they sound...you're right: they reveal a lot while widening the sound stage..

took 2 more pics:

 

[obie_fl]

Damn I miss em already. They look great in your system I just didn't have room for them anymore. Enjoy!!!

 

[washburn]

Thanks i am enjoying them a lot, and listened to some music last night and watched a movie too - so much more clarity and power now, it was great! and it was nice to see the Music Hall putting out slamming sounds at lesser numbers on the digital volume level display

I do have a few questions for you guys:

• do you think I should try to paint the shafts of the speaker stands black? I can also get self-adhesive matt black vinyl sheets to do it (easier)...
  
• also: now that the WSM x-sub doesn't match in color, what would be the best way to find a roseweood/brownish/darkish color x-sub? or a similar sized sub?
  
• what should I do with the wsm x-ls? I like them, and might have a use for in the future, but not sure....keep them? sell them? if i get a different color sub to replace the x-sub, i think i might find someone to buy the x-ls+x-sub combo without much trouble...

 

[croseiv]

Looks great!

 

[MidnightSensi]

Thanks i am enjoying them a lot, and listened to some music last night and watched a movie too - so much more clarity and power now, it was great! and it was nice to see the Music Hall putting out slamming sounds at lesser numbers on the digital volume level display

I do have a few questions for you guys:

• do you think I should try to paint the shafts of the speaker stands black? I can also get self-adhesive matt black vinyl sheets to do it (easier)...
  
• also: now that the WSM x-sub doesn't match in color, what would be the best way to find a roseweood/brownish/darkish color x-sub? or a similar sized sub?
  
• what should I do with the wsm x-ls? I like them, and might have a use for in the future, but not sure....keep them? sell them? if i get a different color sub to replace the x-sub, i think i might find someone to buy the x-ls+x-sub combo without much trouble...

Nice!!

I think the posts look okay, they blend with the wall a bit.

The main thing I would do is some wire management. Tuck the wires, tie them down neatly.

I'd keep the subwoofer until you find a matching one for your mains, and then sell the others as a kit (the light wood is very nice looking!).

 

[BruZZi]

Onix Reference-1 upgrade to the 2.1 system

Looks Great. Congrats !!!

1) Do you think I should try to paint the shafts of the speaker stands black? I can also get self-adhesive matt black vinyl sheets to do it (easier)...

I like silver better.

2) also: now that the WSM x-sub doesn't match in color, what would be the best way to find a roseweood/brownish/darkish color x-sub? or a similar sized sub?

You can always buy a Black Subwoofer.

.

 

[T2T]

Personally, I'd buy a quart of satin black paint and a 6" roller. I'd remove the base plate from the amp and the power amp. I'd then roll 2 good coats of the satin paint on the sub cabinet. I think the end result would look excellent. I've done this before on a DIY sub and the finish was pro quality when done.

When going this route, you'll easily achieve an acceptable color of X-Sub for about $15.00. This cost will be much less than selling and buying another one - and, throwing in all the shipping fees. Plus, you know that your X-Sub works well for you. There's a chance that the replacement sub might not fare as well as what you already own.

Best of luck.

 

[washburn]

Thanks for comments, all of you.

the tip about wire management is a good one - I need some of that - the flash makes it looks worse somehow, though. In the dark, it's pretty ok...but I do need some of those wires hidden.

I will leave the speaker stands the way they are for now..I think they look good, the more I look at them.

Painting the x-sub: I don't think it's that simple: it has some type of slick clear coat, which will prevent paint from absorbing and sticking...I will probably have to remove the clear coat and prep the surface, and with no wood work experience, I don't think i can do all that...

wrapping it in some attractive self adhesive automotive vinyl might be a possibility, I think...I just have to see if they come in good patterns/designs...

 

[washburn]

A change in the system:

...well more like a replacement...

My trusty Onkyo DVD/CD changer (used only as a CD Transport/changer, as I used digital out with my modded Super Pro DAC) which I got for $75 refurb'd, finally died after 3 yrs of great service...

I picked up this beast of a NAD T572 in mint condition on Audiogon for $115 shipped..Also a DVD/Cd changer, and just like the Onkyo, it will only serve as a transport/changer, and I am using the coax digital out to my SuperPro DAC...

The Onkyo was clearly better using the external DAC than its own internal DAC, but with this NAD I am not so sure...I think it has Burr Brown DACs, and using its own DAC, the SQ is excellent, but a tad different when used with the SuperPro DAC...i am having a hard time deciding which is better...
In both cases, using its own or with the ext DAC, the sound is very "massive" and clear at the same time, compared to the Onkyo...Will do more listening and see...The SuperPro DAC is a tiny budget external DAC, so i won't be surprised if I decide that the NAD is better with its own DAC...