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Onix 36 pre amp with remoternOnix 901 monos x 2rnLegendary amps rare as hens teethrnGreat amps
Ambitious asking price at GBP£4,400 for these Onix OA36 mono preamps paired with OA901 power amps in good condition. Recent comparable UK listings put the median at GBP£2,655, with the 25th percentile at GBP£1,800 and 75th at GBP£3,509—putting this well above the top end. Unless it's pristine with original boxes and recent servicing, it's a stretch; haggle hard or walk unless the cosmetics and provenance justify the premium.
Before biting, verify the power supplies (OA901s are prone to capacitor failures after 20+ years) and check for channel imbalance or hum in the preamps—common in older Onix gear. Insist on full service history, original remote if applicable, and a proper audition to confirm transparency and bass control haven't degraded.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
ONIX emerged from the creative seaside town of Brighton, UK, in the late 1970s and early 1980s, when engineer Tony Brady—initially experimenting with compact power amplifiers in a warehouse near Brighton Pier—teamed up with Michael O’Brien of Rogers and later Adam Worsfold. Their first classics, the OA20 and OA21 integrated amplifiers, launched in 1981, establishing the brand's signature black-gold aesthetic and driving it into over 30 international markets by the early 1990s. Facing intensifying competition, the core technology and brand were acquired in 1997 by Taiwan's Sound Art Co. under Mr. Pu Hsao Hsiung, marking a shift toward Asian manufacturing expertise.
The brand's product focus has centered on high-performance electronics, particularly integrated amplifiers like the enduring OA21 series, alongside CD players, DACs, and SACD transports such as the recent Zenith XDA20 and XST20. Recent revivals, including the 2023 Miracle High-End Hi-Fi stack unveiled at Munich, blend ONIX's analog tuning heritage with modern streaming and digital capabilities, often produced in partnership with Shanling.
Note that ONIX's history involves trademark disputes, with competing claims between a UK entity led by Adam Worsfold and the Shanling-affiliated version; buyers should verify current ownership. Positioned as a niche high-end player, ONIX appeals to enthusiasts seeking British-inspired sound—transparent, dynamic, and faithful—with measured specs like sub-0.002% THD underscoring its rational, performance-driven ethos rather than flashy exotica.
See all ONIX listings on RADAR.
