Onix x-ls + x-cs OR DefinitiveAudio Promon800

[v4voodoo]

Hi folks,
this is my first post here although I've been around for a couple days researching for my first serious (albeit humble) home theater purchase.
I just ordered an Onkyo 605 and is now looking for a 5.1 speaker setup for around $1000.
I have narrowed it down to these 2 setups:
4 ProMonitor 800s + 1 ProCenter1000 + ProSub1000 = $1000 shipped.
or:
2 x-ls bookshelf speakers + 2 x-mtm towers + 1 x-cs center + Bic Acoustech H-100 = $911 + shipping.

So both setups cost about the same, which would you pick?

Thanks a lot in advance, I appreciate all responses.

 

[zildjian]

The Onix set up will definately cost more with the shipping costs, but I'd still go with it over the definitive set up since the Onix system provides so much more speaker for your dollar. I haven't listened to the Onix system, but people here and especially on the AV123 forum seem very happy w/ them.

 

[v4voodoo]

Thanks for your reply!

I can get the price down on the Onix setup if I go with their own sub, but I figured the H100 is the better subwoofer, and the Onix x-sub is also backordered.

So I'm not concerned about the cost difference as it seems trivial, I just want to know which would sound better.
I've only listened to the definitive audio setup at Magnolia today, I liked the ProMonitor800s but not the subwoofer. The sales guy at Magnolia replied by saying that they need to calibrate it because he messed with the setup.

 

[gus6464]

The Onix set up will definately cost more with the shipping costs, but I'd still go with it over the definitive set up since the Onix system provides so much more speaker for your dollar. I haven't listened to the Onix system, but people here and especially on the AV123 forum seem very happy w/ them.

So you are saying that the AV123 setup is better than the Def Tech, not because you have heard them but because of what the people at the av123 site say about them. Don't you see the flaw in your recommendation?

 

[zildjian]

So you are saying that the AV123 setup is better than the Def Tech, not because you have heard them but because of what the people at the av123 site say about them. Don't you see the flaw in your recommendation?

You mean where I clearly stated that I haven't heard the Onix speakers.... that's why I said that. Also, reread my statement. I didn't say the Onix were better; I said I'd go with the Onix and that I feel you're getting more speaker for your money with the Onix. I'm a big fan of Definitive products, own their flagship towers from the 90's (love them), and have heard almost all of their products except for the newest Mythos speakers and a few in-walls, but I'm not a fan of their Promonitor series, which again yes I have listened to. Based on the info that's available and hearing what the 100 users or so have said on the av123 forums and a few of the guys here at AH, I think the Onix speakers should be hard to beat for the price ($339 a pair now for the towers, $165 a pair for the bookshelves). I've done quite a bit of reading on the Onix X series speakers since I have a gift certificate for AV123 burning a hole in my pocket, and no where can I find anybody coming up specific suggestions for a better sounding speaker for the same price (price is obviously a factor here too). For a product that everyone who hears it says it's the best speaker for that price, I doubt you can go wrong, and yes even without hearing it. This is where I put my faith in our friends on the site here. I'm surprised no one else has chimed in yet actually.

 

[v4voodoo]

It so happens that the Onix x-series is the recommended speaker for the $1000 home theater system here on audioholics in the buying guides...

 

[rnatalli]

So I'm not concerned about the cost difference as it seems trivial, I just want to know which would sound better.

Both are fine brands and which one sounds better is a matter of personal taste. If I were debating these two, I'd buy a pair of the DefTech from Magnolia and then order a pair of the x-ls bookshelf. Compare the two and see what you like best. If you like the x-ls, head to Magnolia and return the DefTech pair and order up the rest of the av123 stuff. If you like the DefTech, ship the x-ls back to av123. Your shipping costs won't be that much for a pair and it's worth doing to be sure you're getting what you want IMO.

 

[jcPanny]

X-series

Check on some of the current promotions on the AV123 X-series speakers with the Black finish. They are also comming out with new 12" and 15" subs that should compliment the X-series speakers nicely. SVS and HSU are also good options for a sub but there are all more than the BIC.

 

[j_garcia]

I am not a fan of DefTech, never have been. For the price (especially the current sale prices) I'd order the X-LSs in a heartbeat. I might order a pair actually...

 

[v4voodoo]

Check on some of the current promotions on the AV123 X-series speakers with the Black finish. They are also comming out with new 12" and 15" subs that should compliment the X-series speakers nicely. SVS and HSU are also good options for a sub but there are all more than the BIC.

Actually, the HSU STF-1 and the BIC H-100 are going for about the same price right now. I found a lot of positive feedback about the H100 online and the specs looked better than the STF-1. That's why I was tilting towards it.
Should I go with the STF-1 rather than the H100?