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

[SpeakerLabFan]

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?

Hi Stoutblock,

Yes, I did a bit of web research on the SP3 before picking it up, and I saw discussion that these are not in production any more. Made in China but Onix is/was an Australian company, is that right? I don't have any experience with an SP8 or Ming amp.

I think there is some discussion of the SP3 design and comparing the SP3 with other amps in some of the online reviews. I linked a couple in an earlier post on this thread. There are a few AK'rs with SP3s including cubdog. They might have some insights here.

Keep an eye on local craigslist, I've seen several nice tube amps listed in the past week. Hit the garage and estate sales. as you probably know, audio has always been a major pasttime in this area, lots of stuff turns up.

Hey, if you are looking at buying a new amp, you might want to talk to some local audio pros about evaluating what's out there. I had a good experience purchasing a phono cartridge at The Audio Connection in Seattle's U-district, it's a tiny store front just off Ravenna (no fancy high pressure showroom here), and he is good people. audioconnectionseattle.com

 

[RDSChicago]

Onix SP3 Recommended Speakers?

Sorry to review an old thread, but will this amp drive Kef LS50's or other speakers in the mid to high 80's in sensitivity? Thanks.