The Onyx Studio series from Ultimate Ears (UE) has become synonymous with portable Bluetooth speakers that deliver booming sound and stylish designs. The latest iterations, the Onyx Studio 6 and Onyx Studio 7, continue this legacy, each offering a unique blend of features and enhancements. But with such similar names and aesthetics, choosing between the two can be a challenge.
This comprehensive guide dives deep into the differences between the Onyx Studio 6 and Onyx Studio 7, highlighting their strengths, weaknesses, and ultimately helping you determine which speaker best fits your needs and preferences.
Design and Build Quality
Both the Onyx Studio 6 and Onyx Studio 7 share the same iconic, spherical design with a unique fabric covering. This design not only looks sleek but also provides a comfortable grip. However, there are subtle differences in their construction.
Onyx Studio 6:
- Durable Construction: The Onyx Studio 6 features a sturdy build, with a polycarbonate frame covered in a water-resistant fabric.
- Compact Size: This model is slightly smaller and more compact than the Onyx Studio 7.
- Color Options: The Onyx Studio 6 is available in a wider array of vibrant colors, including shades like teal, blue, and black.
Onyx Studio 7:
- Elevated Materials: The Onyx Studio 7 takes a step up in premium design with a more robust metal mesh grille and a refined fabric covering.
- Larger Size: The increased size of the Onyx Studio 7 provides more room for internal components, potentially contributing to a more impactful sound experience.
- Sophisticated Color Palette: The Onyx Studio 7 boasts a more muted color palette, offering shades like black, silver, and blue.
Audio Performance
The audio performance of both speakers is impressive, showcasing UE’s commitment to delivering a powerful and immersive sound experience. However, some key differences distinguish their audio capabilities.
Onyx Studio 6:
- Strong Bass: The Onyx Studio 6 is known for its deep bass response, capable of delivering powerful lows that add depth to your music.
- Balanced Sound: The speaker achieves a balanced sound profile with clear vocals and crisp highs, making it versatile for different genres of music.
- 360° Sound: The Onyx Studio 6 utilizes a 360° sound technology, allowing music to radiate in all directions, creating a more expansive and immersive listening experience.
Onyx Studio 7:
- Enhanced Soundstage: The Onyx Studio 7 builds upon the 360° sound of its predecessor with an expanded soundstage, further enhancing the immersive experience.
- Improved Clarity: The Onyx Studio 7 offers improved audio clarity, particularly noticeable in the highs and mids, leading to a more detailed and refined sound.
- Customizable EQ: The Onyx Studio 7 introduces a customizable EQ feature, allowing you to fine-tune the sound to your preferences, further tailoring the audio experience.
Features and Connectivity
Both speakers offer a range of features and connectivity options to enhance your listening experience.
Onyx Studio 6:
- Bluetooth 4.1: The Onyx Studio 6 uses Bluetooth 4.1 for reliable connectivity and a stable signal.
- USB Charging: The speaker allows you to charge your devices using its USB port.
- Water-resistant: With an IPX4 rating, the Onyx Studio 6 is splash-proof and can withstand accidental spills.
Onyx Studio 7:
- Bluetooth 5.0: The Onyx Studio 7 utilizes the latest Bluetooth 5.0 standard for faster pairing, improved range, and greater energy efficiency.
- NFC Pairing: The speaker supports NFC pairing, allowing for seamless pairing with compatible devices by simply tapping them together.
- Enhanced Water Resistance: The Onyx Studio 7 boasts an IPX7 rating, making it fully waterproof and capable of being submerged in water up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes.
Battery Life
Both speakers offer impressive battery life for extended listening sessions.
Onyx Studio 6:
- Up to 10 Hours of Playtime: The Onyx Studio 6 provides up to 10 hours of playtime on a single charge, enough for a full day of listening.
Onyx Studio 7:
- Up to 12 Hours of Playtime: The Onyx Studio 7 extends the battery life to up to 12 hours, enabling even longer listening sessions.
Price and Value
The Onyx Studio 6 and Onyx Studio 7 cater to different budgets and offer varying value propositions.
Onyx Studio 6:
- More Affordable: The Onyx Studio 6 is priced lower than the Onyx Studio 7, offering excellent value for its audio performance and features.
Onyx Studio 7:
- Premium Price: The Onyx Studio 7 carries a higher price tag, reflecting its improved build quality, enhanced audio performance, and additional features.
Which Speaker is Right for You?
Ultimately, the decision between the Onyx Studio 6 and Onyx Studio 7 comes down to your individual needs and priorities.
If you’re seeking a powerful and affordable speaker with a solid audio experience, the Onyx Studio 6 is a fantastic option. Its strong bass response, balanced sound, and long battery life make it an excellent choice for casual listeners and those on a budget.
If you prioritize enhanced audio performance, advanced features, and a more premium design, the Onyx Studio 7 is a worthy investment. Its improved soundstage, clarity, customizable EQ, and extended battery life make it a compelling choice for audiophiles and those who demand the best possible listening experience.
Conclusion
The Onyx Studio 6 and Onyx Studio 7 are both exceptional portable Bluetooth speakers that offer a premium sound experience. While the Onyx Studio 6 is a solid and affordable option, the Onyx Studio 7 delivers a refined audio experience with additional features and a more premium design. The choice ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget. Regardless of your decision, you can be sure that either speaker will elevate your listening experience with immersive sound and a stylish design.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the main differences between the Onyx Studio 6 and Onyx Studio 7?
The Onyx Studio 7 offers a significant upgrade in sound quality compared to the Onyx Studio 6. It features a larger driver and a more powerful amplifier, resulting in a richer, more detailed audio experience. The Onyx Studio 7 also boasts a longer battery life, lasting up to 16 hours on a single charge compared to the Onyx Studio 6’s 8 hours. In terms of design, the Onyx Studio 7 has a more refined look with a smooth, continuous fabric covering, while the Onyx Studio 6 has a more rugged appearance with exposed seams.
Both speakers offer similar features like Bluetooth connectivity, hands-free calling, and voice assistant compatibility. However, the Onyx Studio 7 adds a USB-C charging port for faster charging and a dedicated button for voice assistant activation.
2. Which speaker is better for music lovers?
For music lovers, the Onyx Studio 7 is undoubtedly the superior choice. Its enhanced audio quality delivers a more immersive and enjoyable listening experience. The larger driver and more powerful amplifier produce deeper bass, clearer highs, and a wider soundstage, making it ideal for listening to various music genres.
While the Onyx Studio 6 is still a capable speaker, it lacks the depth and detail of its successor. The Onyx Studio 7’s audio improvements elevate the listening experience, offering a more refined and nuanced sound that resonates with music enthusiasts.
3. Is the Onyx Studio 7 worth the extra cost?
The Onyx Studio 7 comes at a higher price point than the Onyx Studio 6. However, the upgrades in sound quality, battery life, and design justify the price difference for many users. If you prioritize audio quality and are willing to invest in a premium sound experience, the Onyx Studio 7 is worth the extra cost.
However, if budget is a major concern and you don’t mind a slightly less impressive audio experience, the Onyx Studio 6 remains a solid option. Ultimately, the decision depends on your individual needs and budget.
4. Which speaker is more portable?
Both the Onyx Studio 6 and Onyx Studio 7 are designed for portability with their compact size and comfortable carrying handle. However, the Onyx Studio 7 is slightly heavier due to its larger size and enhanced internal components.
In terms of portability, the Onyx Studio 6 might be slightly more convenient for carrying around, especially for extended periods. However, the difference in weight is minimal, and both speakers are still easily portable for everyday use.
5. Can both speakers be used for outdoor events?
Both the Onyx Studio 6 and Onyx Studio 7 are designed to be weather-resistant and can be used outdoors. However, they are not waterproof and should not be submerged in water.
If you’re planning to use the speaker in a location with potential for rain or splashes, it’s advisable to exercise caution. While both speakers offer protection against minor water splashes, it’s best to keep them away from direct water exposure to ensure their longevity.
6. Which speaker offers better call quality?
Both the Onyx Studio 6 and Onyx Studio 7 offer hands-free calling functionality with built-in microphones. However, the Onyx Studio 7 features an improved microphone system that provides clearer voice transmission during calls.
The Onyx Studio 7’s microphone is designed to minimize background noise and enhance voice clarity, leading to a more enjoyable and efficient hands-free calling experience. While the Onyx Studio 6 still performs adequately for calls, the Onyx Studio 7 offers a noticeable improvement in call quality.
7. Are there any other notable differences between the speakers?
Apart from the aforementioned differences, the Onyx Studio 7 includes a USB-C charging port for faster charging compared to the micro-USB port on the Onyx Studio 6. Additionally, the Onyx Studio 7 has a dedicated button for voice assistant activation, making it more convenient to use with virtual assistants like Siri or Google Assistant.
Overall, the Onyx Studio 7 offers a more refined and user-friendly experience with its faster charging, dedicated voice assistant button, and enhanced microphone system. However, the Onyx Studio 6 remains a capable speaker with its own merits, particularly its more affordable price point.