anyone else look at onix reference 1?

[JHZR2]

Hi,

Looking for a speaker for my bedroom. Looking at the Onix reference 1 and the sierra 1.

I saw this thread:

http://forum.ascendacoustics.com/showthread.php?p=26872#post26872

from doing a search and it gives some insight. Just surious if others have auditioned both and can give further comment...

Im leaning towards the sierras, but it seems that for a few reasons the reference 1 might be abetter speaker for close listening. Im stiull curious which are best for very low volume, etc.

It seems that the sierra are better for a wider diversity of music, and Im leaning towards them because of my enjoyment using my 340SEs. However, Im looking for any other insights others might have.

FYI, I can get the reference 1 in birds eye maple for $799. My wife slightly more likes the look of the bamboo in the sierra... while I agree in terms of a neat look, the reference 1 seems to be a bit more like furniture, something that would be good in our bedroom.

Any thoughts???

Thanks!!!

JMH

[curtis]

You might want to contact Sam1000...he has owned them both according to this post:
http://forum.ascendacoustics.com/showthread.php?p=24812#post24812

[Sam1000]

You might want to contact Sam1000...he has owned them both according to this post:
http://forum.ascendacoustics.com/showthread.php?p=24812#post24812

That post pretty much sums it up as far as sound quality. Ref1s can be found at a good price on the used market. $799 seems too high for me even if it's birds eye maple. I have not seen that finish on Ref1 and I have not seen Bamboo finish on Sierra(I like my Piano Black 'B' stock). I prefer not to pay exorbitant amount just for different kind of finish on the speaker.

[BradJudy]

The going rate for used rosewood Ref1's is $500 (someone on the AV123 forum is currently selling two pairs at this price, and it's a common Audiogon price). Judge for yourself what the upgraded finish is worth to you, but use $500 as a baseline for the used speaker value.

The bamboo and bird's eye maple are very different looking finishes, largely because the BEM is done in a high gloss finish versus the satin finish of the bamboo. The bamboo is a bit darker and more tan whereas the BEM has a touch of a yellow hue.

[JHZR2]

I placed an order on two sets of the sierras tonight...

Thanks all!

JMH