"New" Speakers...

[wesm228]

I just bought some used Onix Rocket RS850's in rosewood. I won't have them until some time next week at least. These are an upgrade from my 70's era Pioneer Hpm-100's w/ original x-overs which I had in my HT a few years. Paid $20 for them from thrift store. Sold them for $200 the other day. Figured I'm ready for some later model speakers. I've been interested in the Rocket line since back when I visited the AV123 site every day. Got a deal I couldn't pass up.

I'm trying to figure out a good way to raise them off the floor some to keep the gloss bottom cap from being damaged and just to make them look better. I saw someone had used outriggers on theirs. I wasn't able to find out where they got them though.

Will any of the Rocket risers work? If I can find a pair for sale.

[wesm228]

Oh another reason is to stabilize them as I've read they can tip fairly easy if knocked into.

[edoggrc51]

If i remember right the risers will not fit the 850's.

There was a guy making custom outriggers for the them back in the AV123 days. But a ton of that info was lost when their site went down.

[USAFRetired]

Nov 18, 2011 14:39:54 GMT -5 @wesm228 said:

I just bought some used Onix Rocket RS850's in rosewood. I won't have them until some time next week at least. These are an upgrade from my 70's era Pioneer Hpm-100's w/ original x-overs which I had in my HT a few years. Paid $20 for them from thrift store. Sold them for $200 the other day. Figured I'm ready for some later model speakers. I've been interested in the Rocket line since back when I visited the AV123 site every day. Got a deal I couldn't pass up.

I'm trying to figure out a good way to raise them off the floor some to keep the gloss bottom cap from being damaged and just to make them look better. I saw someone had used outriggers on theirs. I wasn't able to find out where they got them though.

Will any of the Rocket risers work? If I can find a pair for sale.

I used to have the HPM's while in Japan. Man those things could play loud. I have outriggers I purchased online but that was many years ago so i do not remember where I found them. Google could be your best friend.

[RPA-1 man]

Still have my HPM-100's. They have been slightly modified. I've installed HPM-900 crossovers and Mids in my 100's. Seems to have helped to balance out the sound some. I'd wanted a pair of these since I was a teen many moons ago. Finally got my hands on a pair about 10 years ago. Still love them.

[USAFRetired]

Nov 18, 2011 19:19:03 GMT -5 RPA-1 man said:

Still have my HPM-100's. They have been slightly modified. I've installed HPM-900 crossovers and Mids in my 100's. Seems to have helped to balance out the sound some. I'd wanted a pair of these since I was a teen many moons ago. Finally got my hands on a pair about 10 years ago. Still love them.

Sold mine my second time in Japan, my ex wife promised I would be able to get better. that never happened. One of my airmen bought them, had them on top of his wall locker playing them loud in the barracks and one of them fell to the concrete floor. that ended the life of that one. I used them a few times outside for parties, as I said, those things really sounded good and were really loud. great bass too, have not had bass like that out of anything but a sub woofer since. I had a gold colored Pioneer receiver driving them, a linear arm turn table, dynamic range expander and cassette deck all of the same gold color. Wish I still had it, glad I don't still have the wife though.

[wesm228]

The buyer almost backed out last minute after I had already loaded them up because he thought they were the 200 watt version, which he already owned and wanted a matching pair. I told him there wouldn't be any sound difference and as long as he fed them good clean power there wouldn't be a problem. I mentioned the only cosmetic difference being the silver trim ring on the port. Which was something he didn't even realize. But he decided it was still a good deal and so he bought them.

I really think the UPA-1's and Hpm was a very good match. They really sounded great because as people say the UPA-1's are more of a neutral or laid back sound and the hpm's are often considered bright or lean towards a rock 'n roll sound. Anyway, I hope the UPA will also match well with the Rockets, though some say the Rockets have a laid back sound. I try to pair such speakers with amps that are often deemed "bright" such as my computer system which has the superbly "laid back" non-fatiguing ELT525m's with my Yamaha Natural Sound receiver.

[wesm228]

Forgot to say in the original post these are the Signature edition. As I understand it, this is only a resistor change or addition. What this does for the sound I don't know. I'm certain this adds to their value though as every time someone lists rockets without mentioning if they're sigs, first question is always "are these sigs?".

[RPA-1 man]

Nov 18, 2011 22:57:15 GMT -5 USAFRetired said:

Nov 18, 2011 19:19:03 GMT -5 RPA-1 man said:

Still have my HPM-100's. They have been slightly modified. I've installed HPM-900 crossovers and Mids in my 100's. Seems to have helped to balance out the sound some. I'd wanted a pair of these since I was a teen many moons ago. Finally got my hands on a pair about 10 years ago. Still love them.

Sold mine my second time in Japan, my ex wife promised I would be able to get better. that never happened. One of my airmen bought them, had them on top of his wall locker playing them loud in the barracks and one of them fell to the concrete floor. that ended the life of that one. I used them a few times outside for parties, as I said, those things really sounded good and were really loud. great bass too, have not had bass like that out of anything but a sub woofer since. I had a gold colored Pioneer receiver driving them, a linear arm turn table, dynamic range expander and cassette deck all of the same gold color. Wish I still had it, glad I don't still have the wife though.

The HPM's weren't known for being the most accurate speaker but they are definitely a fun speaker to listen to. I use the DBX231 eq with mine as well as the mentioned mod and I am very happy with them. I needed the eq because I have a very live room. My room has wood floors and lots of window. No tapestries either. So yes, very live.

I was listening to Phutureprimitive and Bela Fleck & The Flecktones last night and I could feel the bass on my butt in the next room. No sub needed. I should mention that they are 14" off the floor as well.

[jerrin]

Nov 18, 2011 23:17:04 GMT -5 @wesm228 said:

Forgot to say in the original post these are the Signature edition. As I understand it, this is only a resistor change or addition. What this does for the sound I don't know. I'm certain this adds to their value though as every time someone lists rockets without mentioning if they're sigs, first question is always "are these sigs?".

First off, congrats on your new speakers! I still enjoy my 850Sigs.

The Signature series was a redesigned speaker (crossovers). Danny Ritchie redesigned the crossovers for AV123. The newer signature series sounded significantly better (in my opinion and a few others) than the older version.

Let us know what you think about the new sound.

[wesm228]

Thanks Jerrin. They're scheduled to arrive Monday which isn't the best for me as I work at 4pm and I usually get packages delivered to my area around that time or later so it's either going to be real tight, or I'm going to miss them and have to wait until Tuesday.

I may eventually have Ninja x-overs and no rez installed if I like how these speakers sound stock.

[jerrin]

Nov 25, 2011 18:31:23 GMT -5 @wesm228 said:

Thanks Jerrin. They're scheduled to arrive Monday which isn't the best for me as I work at 4pm and I usually get packages delivered to my area around that time or later so it's either going to be real tight, or I'm going to miss them and have to wait until Tuesday.

I may eventually have Ninja x-overs and no rez installed if I like how these speakers sound stock.

The no-rez and upgraded components make a significant difference. I was surprised when I upgraded mine. Good design, but cheap parts. Good parts make a significant difference. No-rez makes a big difference. Given the beauty of these speakers, I chose to spend the money to upgrade them.

In 2009, I went to Emofest and listened to their speakers. I thought they were nice, but I still preferred the sound of my 850s. My wife and her friends preferred the look of the Rockets. One thing I did really like about Emotiva speakers is that they appeared to be built really well, with bi-amping posts and good, solid builds.

If you are handy with a screwdriver and a soldering iron, you can make these changes yourself. See: www.chasehometheater.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4044 You may need to create an account, but it's well worth it.

[wesm228]

I feel like crying. I hate you UPS. Speaker is on its way back to seller. Second speaker is due to arrive tomorrow but what good is just one?! I don't know where to go from here. Such extensive damage. This is a first for me.

Attachments:

[RadTech]

That sucks and I'm sorry to see that mess!

[pitbullmike]

Dam that suxs for both you and the seller Have you already contacted the seller?? How did that go??

[wesm228]

He's understandably upset. It's a shame a double box with various foam pieces surrounding the speakers can't even survive UPS. It's like they rammed it with a forklift.

I'm still waiting on the second speaker to arrive even though I told the driver it would be no use to me just having the one.

[wesm228]

For those who have had to deal with this sort of issue, should I hold onto the second speaker when/if it arrives tomorrow as scheduled? I probably should have kept the damaged one, but I had no experience with receiving damaged goods. Maybe I made the wrong decision. Hopefully the seller will work with me. I've been reading a lot of bad regarding UPS claims process. I really just want my speakers. The ones in the pictures before UPS roughed them up. Argh...!

[carlp336]

seller didnt use the socks when packing either.... probably more finish damage in there as well.

[wesm228]

Yes he did. The sock was moved out of the way to take the picture. There's holes in the sock from the force of whatever was jammed through the box.

[carlp336]

i see it in the corner now. but having had 850s before and having bought and sold many rockets. the socks shouldnt be able to slid up without removing from the carton if installed properly... regardless, speaker is jacked.