onix ref 1/sp3 package deal

I haven't heard it, but a friend back in Texas bought the combo a few months back. And he tells me all the time how much he likes it. He was using a Rega Mira and a pair of NHT super ones. And I know he prefers the Onix system. I think he payed $1200 when he bought his.

i talked to av123 and they would sub the onix 120 watt ss integrated(a 120 mk2) in the deal for $899, any thoughts?

I bought the combo and loved the SP3 tube integrated. The Ref1 speakers were not as engaging as my Totem Arros though.

Spurzheim, did you burn in your Ref1 when you made the comparison? I doubt the results would remain the same if burn-in issue has been addressed.

I recently purchased the Onix SP3 Mk II/Reference 1 Mk II deal. I also purchased a B-stock Onix XCD-88 that perfectly matches the SP3 amplifier. If no one told me it was a B-stock CD player, I would never know it. It was definitely in brand-new condition (10/10) from AV123.com. All I can say is this is a very well matched system for the money. Including Onix stands, Onix Blue RCA interconnect cable and Onix SP-200 speaker cable, I walked away with a highly musical system for just over $1600 including freight. AV123's service is excellent. I honestly don't know why people are selling their Onix SP3 amplifiers on Audiogon unless they are upgrading to Onix's other H6550 integrated amplifier. This amp is built like a tank. In fact, everything from Onix is solidly constructed, even the speaker stands. I'm still burning the system in and I already feel like I'm listening to a new CD collection. I am used to Naim electronics with excellent pace, rhythm and timing. The Onix system is just as good along with the smoothness of the tube amplifier. This is not a bloomy, mushy tube amp. It can seriously rock with Santana (Caravanserai).

For my tastes, the Ref 1s are not bright or lean in any way. I think speaker placement is everything with these monitors and they do go down to their rated 42 Hz. They work very well with my living room acoustics (solid oak floors, sheet rock walls and no carpet or rugs). The Vifa HF driver is every bit as sweet as Dynaudio's acclaimed silk dome tweeter. I haven't even upgraded my power cables, filled my stands with sand yet or started tube rolling, and I just feel like I robbed a bank. I highly recommend this system to anyone with a small to medium sized listening room and working within a limited budget. You can't go wrong with the 30-day return policy or the 3-year warranty.