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ONIX Reference 3 Ninja Master with Sonicap Platinum Upgrade
This all new network was developed by Danny Richie. All layout design and final product execution by Skiing Ninja.
The Sound...
The difference between the two speakers is striking. There are three strong peaks in the stock response giving the speaker a very forward presentation. Those peaks are not present in the Ninja network resulting in a far more balanced and smooth presentation. There are many songs you can listen to that exhibit the peaking quite obviously. Listen for the vocal and when another instrument comes in, the relative volume is much different (recessed) than the rest of the sounds.
Due to the forward presentation, the stock Reference 3 can sound harsh when pushed hard. With the Ninja Reference 3, you can turn them up considerably louder than before without harshness or fatigue.
The Ninja Reference 3's presentation exhibits much more air and instrument separation. With the stock network, the super tweeter and Vifa tweeter cancel each other out at various frequencies. With the Ninja network, this issue is resolved. Vocals are clear and well defined without any chestiness. The sometimes thick presentation of the stock Reference 3 has been replaced with very well defined and controlled bass. Mid-range resolution is greatly enhanced.
On final techy related item... off-axis response. The new network improves performance significantly in this area - to the tune of fixing 10dB suck outs (nulls).
With the tech stuff out of the way, lets talk about the most important aspect - are they fun to listen to? Oh Yes...
I really love the new Reference 3. Very smooth and effortless. These are speakers I could sit and listen to for hours.
I can understand some preferring the forward or 'in your face' presentation of the Reference 3 in stock form. If that is your style and currently love your speakers - don't change them.
We just want the best sound FOR YOU :D
Here are some photos of the new network as well as stock. A full suite of measurements will be posted to the Reference 3 section once this upgrade is released to the public (next week for sure).
This all new network was developed by Danny Richie. All layout design and final product execution by Skiing Ninja.
The Sound...
The difference between the two speakers is striking. There are three strong peaks in the stock response giving the speaker a very forward presentation. Those peaks are not present in the Ninja network resulting in a far more balanced and smooth presentation. There are many songs you can listen to that exhibit the peaking quite obviously. Listen for the vocal and when another instrument comes in, the relative volume is much different (recessed) than the rest of the sounds.
Due to the forward presentation, the stock Reference 3 can sound harsh when pushed hard. With the Ninja Reference 3, you can turn them up considerably louder than before without harshness or fatigue.
The Ninja Reference 3's presentation exhibits much more air and instrument separation. With the stock network, the super tweeter and Vifa tweeter cancel each other out at various frequencies. With the Ninja network, this issue is resolved. Vocals are clear and well defined without any chestiness. The sometimes thick presentation of the stock Reference 3 has been replaced with very well defined and controlled bass. Mid-range resolution is greatly enhanced.
On final techy related item... off-axis response. The new network improves performance significantly in this area - to the tune of fixing 10dB suck outs (nulls).
With the tech stuff out of the way, lets talk about the most important aspect - are they fun to listen to? Oh Yes...
I really love the new Reference 3. Very smooth and effortless. These are speakers I could sit and listen to for hours.
I can understand some preferring the forward or 'in your face' presentation of the Reference 3 in stock form. If that is your style and currently love your speakers - don't change them.
We just want the best sound FOR YOU :D
Here are some photos of the new network as well as stock. A full suite of measurements will be posted to the Reference 3 section once this upgrade is released to the public (next week for sure).
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