Digital Trends

Onix Rocket Tykes 5.1

July 13th, 2004 | by Yongki Go

Features and Design

We'd have to categorize the Rocket Tykes as “micro” speakers as they are smaller than most bookshelf speakers on the market. But even though the Tykes are small, they are certainly not subdued in appearance. In fact, they are quite flashy and distinctive looking.

Unlike the speakers from the other Rocket series, with the exception of the subwoofer, wood (or MDF more exactly) is not the name of the game for this micro speaker system. The satellite and center channel speakers in the Rocket Tykes system are constructed mostly of aluminum. This is rather unusual at their price point of $399 as most other 5.1 systems in this price range are plastic or MDF enclosures. Both the brushed aluminum and the anodized and brushed black finishes are conversation pieces before even listening to them.

We would classify the overall quality of the construction of the Rocket Tykes system as above average. And because of their sizes, they are relatively light and easy to move around. Each of the satellites and center channel speakers has four small feet with rubber tips, which are quite handy if you plan on putting the speakers on a shelf or on top of a TV. Wall mount brackets are also included in the Tykes package.

The Rocket Tykes satellites are constructed of all aluminum (shown in black and silver brushed aluminum)

The Tyke system offers four two-driver, two-way satellites, a three-driver, two-way center channel, and a 100 W (RMS) powered, ported subwoofer.

The satellites and the center channel of the Tykes system employ the same type of drivers: ¾-inch silk dome tweeter and 2.5-inch woofer, both utilize neodymium motor structure, which is usually used in higher priced speakers to improve power handling. Dual woofers are used for the center channel and only one for each satellite. The binding posts on the back of the speakers are of the push-spring type and suitable to be used with bare wire or pin connectors. In another departure from competing products, the speaker grills are non-detachable.

Bass is delivered to the Rocket Tykes system in the form of an 8-inch down-firing driver in a front-ported enclosure powered by a 100W internal amplifier. This subwoofer accepts low level input only and has no output. The controls provided are for volume level and crossover frequency. There is no phase control, but with a subwoofer this small, it is not a big drawback, because you can easily correct for phase by easily moving it to a different location. This subwoofer has four short legs, which are threaded for use with the provided spikes if desirable.