dipping a toe into Tubes - picked up an Onix SP3 integrated amp

[SpeakerLabFan]

I saw this amp listed on local CL last week, decent price. I did some research and after some deliberation, I jumped on the listing and stopped at the seller's place on the way home from work. I saw it as a good chance to goof around without a huge investment or alot of troubleshooting. I decided to grab it when it checked-out as advertised.

After a couple of days of listening, I have to say that this has been a good introduction into tube audio. The unit is easy to setup and operate, and has plenty of juice, rated at 38 WPC. I like the styling and the tubes look great in the dark. :thmbsp:

I have a bunch of efficient speakers that I am looking forward to hearing with the amp - so far I've tried it in the bedroom system with a pair of Fortes and in the living room system driving the JBL 4430 monitors using CD for source. The amp is silent, only hearing full, rich music coming out the speakers. Here's some pictures (including a picture of the white gloves included for handling the tubes and the stock tubes included):

 

[centralflori]

Looks nice!:drool:

 

[VintInfinity]

I actually said "wow" first thing when I saw the picture.

What kind of tubes in there?

 

[Tapehead47]

Beautifulishus! I read about it in a Hi-Fi magazine and it got great reviews. Can't wait to hear you listening impressions!

Loved the photos, too.

Good luck!

Rick

 

[SpeakerLabFan]

I actually said "wow" first thing when I saw the picture.

What kind of tubes in there?

Thanks guys. I don't know / haven't looked into the make on the tubes in there but I did take note on the #'s in the unit when doing research before purchase.

10 tubes: four 5881's, two 6922's, two 12AX7's, two 12AU7's. I am still learning what all that means, I know that the smaller tubes on the right and left sides of the unit are for right and left output.

As I said this thing is straightforward to operate, thankfully. :withstpd:

 

[spaceman]

Looks awesome, & I bet it sounds good too. Welcome to tubes. :thmbsp: EDIT: Hey, wait a minute. How are you gonna burn your fingers wearing gloves.

 

[cmb3366]

Very nice amplifier, you wouldent know they are as reasonably priced as they are just looking at one, quite a sharp looking piece of gear. BTW, be careful with that amp, reasonably priced tube amps are a gateway drug to the hard stuff.

 

[cubdog]

Nice amp! I've been very happy with mine for a couple of years now. They really are "built like tanks". Enjoy.

cubdog

 

[centralflori]

Very nice amplifier, you wouldent know they are as reasonably priced as they are just looking at one, quite a sharp looking piece of gear. BTW, be careful with that amp, reasonably priced tube amps are a gateway drug to the hard stuff.

I got to ask......just how reasonably priced are they?:scratch2:

 

[cubdog]

They used to sell used for between $400 and $500 on Audiogon. I haven't priced one for quite sometime however.

cubdog

 

[hypertone]

I actually said "wow" first thing when I saw the picture.

Same here. I wasn't expecting such a nice looking amp. :drool:

 

[SpeakerLabFan]

Good to hear Cubdog :thmbsp:

I got to ask......just how reasonably priced are they?:scratch2:

Well I think that reasonable is relative with tube gear. I don't think this is the right forum to discuss questions of value.

A quick search on Onix SP3 will return review hits with retail price. I certainly felt like I was at Half Price books on discount day.

Here's links to a couple of reviews of the unit - the Affordable Audio review was one that got my attention because I enjoy their writing:

http://www.affordableaudio.org/OnixSP3.pdf

http://6moons.com/audioreviews/onix/onix_3.html

 

[SpeakerLabFan]

Looks awesome, & I bet it sounds good too. Welcome to tubes. :thmbsp: EDIT: Hey, wait a minute. How are you gonna burn your fingers wearing gloves.

Not gonna touch them tubes with bare fingers although I have come close a couple of times. :nono:

Thanks for the welcome, Cliff. You'll have to come over and see what you think.

 

[Sluggo]

Looks beautiful Dick !
I saw it on CL when it was listed and was impressed with
its styling,I hope we can fit in a listening session next chance I get to make it over,Congrats on the new tube toy~

 

[bobva]

sweet.............

looks like a winner:thmbsp:

what are you using with it?

 

[SpeakerLabFan]

Looks beautiful Dick !
I saw it on CL when it was listed and was impressed with
its styling,I hope we can fit in a listening session next chance I get to make it over,Congrats on the new tube toy~

Thanks Mark. Yes you definitely have to get over here and give it a listen, not to mention there is a tuner and that Mc 2505 shipping box here with your name on it.

sweet.............

looks like a winner:thmbsp:

what are you using with it?

Thanks Bob. I'm almost exclusively listening with the Klipsch Fortes - wow horns and tubes are a nice combination. I'm looking forward to some listening with the Speakerlab K's and the big Fraziers this weekend. I'm guessing that the tube amp will tame the shrillness and bring something special to these big speakers. :thmbsp:

 

[lha1992]

Very nice tube amp you got their!

I saw that one on CL here.

Congrats on a great find!

 

[bobva]

Thanks Bob. I'm almost exclusively listening with the Klipsch Fortes - wow horns and tubes are a nice combination. I'm looking forward to some listening with the Speakerlab K's and the big Fraziers this weekend. I'm guessing that the tube amp will tame the shrillness and bring something special to these big speakers. :thmbsp:[/QUOTE]

what time

 

[SpeakerLabFan]

Very nice tube amp you got their!

I saw that one on CL here.

Congrats on a great find!

Thanks! Yeah the seller said that there was alot of interest in the listing.

what time

Let's see, you're what - about 30 miles north-east as the crow flies? just stick yer head our yer door this weekend. :guitar: ...or stop by if you're in this neck of the woods.

 

[stoutblock]

Hey SLF,

I have also been thinking of buying a tube amp and the stuff coming from Asia is in a price range I can afford to play with. The Onix SP3 is on the short list of ones that are tempting but it appears it is no longer available at AV123 (although they have a B unit at $400). They list the SP8 which appears similar but at 45x2. Any knowledge on how it compares?

The Ming Da MC34AB seems to be getting great reviews at 2x+ the cost.