VR-1 or Onix Reference 1??

I was looking to move up from the Epos ELS-3 and listened to the Onix Ref 1 in a friend's system. I wanted to get away from the slight harshness of the Epos tweeter, especially at low volumes. The Onix was only a marginal improvement, especially surprising given the well respected Vifa tweeter and that my friend was running it with an Onix SP-3. It was better than the Epos, especially at the low end, but not enough better to really impress me.

After some more research and finding a great deal here on Audiogon, I got a pair of VR-1s. Way smoother than the Onix without giving up any detail, even with my old Hafler amp. Bass is slightly better with the VR-1, although the Onix is pretty good there. VR-1 wins hands down on build quality; I have the dark cherry and they're gorgeous plus very solid.

When my wife and I are together listening we do a lot of low level jazz and singer/songwriter stuff, and the detail and soundstaging are terrific. When she's away I crank my prog rock and 80's euro-synth and the VR-1s acquit themselves very well, up the the limits of my Monarchy SM-70 Pro. We're moving soon and if I have a bigger listening room in Oregon I'll buy a second Monarchy. The VR-1s are pretty efficient but can take plenty of juice if you want.

Bottom line, I thought the Onix was good but that the VR-1 is great.

I own a pair of VR-1's. They best a lot of stuf costing $1,500 and less. In some ways they even best my "beter" (more expensive) stereo. If you are looking for a good bookshelf speaker for less than $1,500 you can't go wrong with the VR-1.

Good luck!

Yo Mikey! What happened to the Dynaudio Focus 110's? Can't believe you would have sold those in favor of the Ref1's!!!

The VR-1's I do like and prefer over the Ref1's. Both have great build qualities and finish is outstanding.

It sounds like you are dissatisfied with the $1500 and below market speakers as you have changed your mind a couple of times now. Why not step up to the $2K+ range? There are several outstanding in that category I would recommend....PSB Platinum M2, Dynaudio Focus 140, Revel M22, Paradigm Sig S2.

Give me a shout and we can discuss. ;-)