Technical Performance
The sound stage is fairly good and it’s both wide and deep, while the depth is more impressive. However it’s not a huge sound stage by any means, and I would’ve like to hear a higher-positioned staging performance in particular. It’s a bit boxy in that regard, but not very cramped to feel uncomfortable, just on the edge.
The Onyx has good separation, especially in the mid-range and in the transition from bass to mids. Especially for its warm and organic presentation, the Onyx has a surprising separation indeed. It has good layering so it’s no slouch in that regard.
The stereo imaging is good and the positioning is nice as well. The Onyx has great control over everything from bass to treble and that is also one of its qualities. Yet, the micro detail ability could’ve been better with more clarity and transparency overall.
The tonality is the part the Onyx does well, but sometimes the instruments sound a bit off and the treble region is a bit thick and some cymbals sound unnatural. Overall resolution is very good but it’s not on an amazing level. The best part about the Onyx however is its balance and coherency. It’s very pleasing to listen to IEM over longs periods of time. It’s smooth, organic, and very musical.
Comparisons
FiiO FH9
The FH9 has a much better packaging with a modular cable, a lot of ear tips, and a premium carrying case. They both have great build quality and good fit, although the Onyx has a bigger footprint and a heavier shell.
The Onyx has a better bass in my opinion, with better control and quickness. The FH9’s bass hits heavier and it has more subbass rumble. In the mids the Onyx sounds more musical and fuller, but the FH9 has better transparency and detail. The Onyx is more energetic as well.
In the treble the FH9 makes the biggest difference with more resolution, space and air with better extension and articulation. The Earsonics doesn’t have a bad treble performance but in terms of technical performance, the FH9 surpasses. The FiiO offering also presents a wider sound-stage, and sharper imaging.
Blade and Onyx are quite close and there are many similarities rather than differences. The Blade has a heavier and a bit slower bass, whilst the Onyx has more control and PRaT in that region.
Mids sound identical to me, with nice Earsonics tonality that provides a very musical experience. The treble region is also similar, with a smooth and a bit thicker timbre than most. So I think the main difference is the bass quality of the Onyx, otherwise the two are not much apart.
Final Audio B3
The B3 has a neutral tuning with a brighter approach to the sound. It has a better resolution and transparency compared to Onyx, and it has a more resolving & clear nature. Onyx again sounds wider and deeper with slightly better layering, especially in terms of length. Again, the Onyx is warmer and more organic with more romanticism.
Build quality is very impressive on both but the B3 fits a bit better with a smaller footprint. Its cable has a more premium feel with a better build quality to me, but the difference is not huge. If you are a fan of Earsonics’ house sound, the Onyx is a very good choice. But if you want a brighter and cleaner approach, the B3 is the better choice.
Conclusion
Among the new portfolio of Earsonics, my favourite had been the Blade. Yet, the Onyx feels like an improved Blade with a better bass response and better imaging with more spaciousness. So I recommend the Onyx if you’re a fan of that certain Earsonics house sound with excellent warmth and musical delivery.
For its warmth, tonality, balance, and imaging qualities, this is a very good pick in the Mid-Fi area with excellent high-quality hand-made shells. Just don’t forget to pair it up with a neutral-sounding source so you get the best out of it. The new Onyx certainly impresses and if they can improve the treble and resolution further, they would have a winner in their hands.
Page 1 – Intro
Page 2 – Sound
