Onix X-LS v. Axiom and well, everything (Here is a fun Sunday morning puzzler!!)

[Pianoman84d]

OK so it is time for a new bookshelf speaker based HT. I would be running 4.1 (phantom center) for the moment until we move out of this apartment, so keep that in mind. I also would need a good sub, but the listening area is extremely small and the 8 inch 100 watt sony sub I have now is only turned 1/4 of the way up on the gain.

So far, I like the looks of the following speakers.

Onix X-LS 4.1 system for $879 including shipping and speaker stands for the front 2.

I could get four Axiom m2i's from the factory outlet for 666.90 including shipping and stands but w/out a sub. I could get one from Hsu or an Onix X-Sub for about $250, making both systems about the same price.


Is it even fair to compare the Axioms and the X-LS? Both brands get great reviews from Audioholics. The only thing I am worried about is that the X-LS is so new.

I have an Onkyo 502 and Fluance AV-HTB, a POS TV and a memorex DVD player (hey it has coaxial out), and a SA Explorer 8000HD cable box.

I guess my question really is which of these would be more of an improvement over the Fluance?

I am also considering other internet directs but wanted to keep the comparison simple at first. (Note. Don't think that I want to go with Ascend b/c the styling on them is not to my liking).

Thanks for the input!!

Deva



I guess I should tell everyone that I would be using this about 70-30% music versus movies and these would have to fill a very very small space.

 

[Duffman-OOHYEAH]

That's funny, about 6 months ago I was running the Fluance av-htb with a onkyo 602 and thought it sounded pretty good. Then a deal came along on a pair of used Onix Rocket 550s that I couldn't refuse so I snatched them up and I can't put into words the sonic bliss these provide, WHAT AN IMPROVEMENT!

Since then the x-ls have come along and occupied the Bedroom HT. I compared the x-ls to the 550s (I know not fair considering the $ dif but what the heck) And I must say they hold their own against any speaker. Very smooth and detailed, I would venture to say they offer about 90% of the sound of the 550s for 1/5 the price IMO. Huge soundstage with nice depth and detail, fantastic imaging, and smooth. You will enjoy them very much, just pull a nike.

Now onto the xsub. I wanted a musical sub that could plunge fairly deep into the 20s hz range. Since so many advocate stereo subs and giving the 200$ pricetag on the xsub, how could I go wrong. The only way I can articulate my thoughts on these little tanks corner loaded is, HOLYCRAP! They hit with authority down to about 25hz and still energize the room down to about 20hz (and still shake the floor below that). You won't be able to stop smiling with this combo, I'll put money on it! If you want more info feel free to PM me.


JR

 

[Pianoman84d]

Thanks Duffman,

Yeah, the Fluance are OK. I know that whichever I pick (Axiom or Onix) will kick their A**. Thanks for the input, I have heard great things about the Rockets so I know that if the X-LS can get close that bodes well. Anyone wanna jump in for the Axiom in this comparison?

 

[Duffman-OOHYEAH]

Believe it or not there are quite a few axiom owners over on av123.com's forum. You may want to post your question over there. The only thing I have heard is that axiom tend to be on the bright side and that just doesn't fit my taste for sound reproduction, while others prefer it.

JR

 

[j_garcia]

Just in terms of bass response alone, I would take the X-LS setup. THe M2s are simply too small and have nowhere near the extension of the X-LS.

 

[Wid]

As there is are some on the Axiom forum that own Onix products I really don't think you could go wrong with either. My son (who lives with me) has an X-Sub from Onix and for the $$$$ and size it is an excellent performer.

 

[Pianoman84d]

J_garcia, I see you point about bass extension. However, I would always be running a sub (I never listen in pure 2.0 stereo). Would that make the difference a non-factor (to you)?

I do understand that speakers are subjective and the Axiom and Onix are going to have a "different" sound. I guess I'm really asking if they are in the same ballpark. Must compare Apples to Apples.

Thanks for everyone's input so far. It is much appreciated. I love this forum and check it every morning while I'm drinking my coffee before going to law school. It keeps me sane!! (if anyone ever tells you that they want to go to law school, send them my way and I'll talk them out of it).


Edit*
Thanks Wid. I think I've pretty much decided to go with an X-Sub either way!! I've heard nothing but good things.

 

[j_garcia]

J_garcia, I see you point about bass extension. However, I would always be running a sub (I never listen in pure 2.0 stereo). Would that make the difference a non-factor (to you)?

If it were something like 5Hz difference, I would not worry about it, but there is a BIG difference between 55Hz and 70Hz (-3dB), and that is why I brought it up. The lower response will allow you to use a lower x-over and this can be a big advantage. You keep the critical lower midrange in the speaker rather than in the sub, and reduce the possibility of localization of the sub.

 

[silversurfer]

From just reading impressions of the XL-S and M2's, it seems they are fairly different in the mids and highs. I would not expect them to be in the same ballpark.

What speakers have you heard and liked?

Another speaker setup that may be in your price range is the SVS SB-01. I would also try and get listen to Energy C-3's which are available on closeout at some very low prices.

 

[Pianoman84d]

Well I did it

I have the Onix X-LS system showing up either on Friday or Monday. Can't wait!! I decided with a 30 day trial, I couldn't go wrong and the X-LS were a great place to start.

Thanks for all the input everyone.

 

[MUCHO]

I have the Onix X-LS system showing up either on Friday or Monday. Can't wait!! I decided with a 30 day trial, I couldn't go wrong and the X-LS were a great place to start.

Thanks for all the input everyone.

As an owner of pair of X-LS speakers I feel that once you have the speakers you will never send them back for two big reasons.

First and most important, they sound good. Granted I am comparing them to some really crappy logitech speakers but they sound good to me and I am a relative expert. (Means I know more about this than my relatives)

Second, they are $200 with $40 one way shipping. Mathmatically it doesn't make sense to return them since your net opportunity cost is only $120 for a good sounding/looking set of bookshelf speakers.

Enjoy them.