Price Paid:  $400.00 from Marchand

Summary:
I had tried electronic crossover before just for subwoofer with satellite small main speaker. However, last experience did not amaze me at all. This time I'm curious whether a 3-way electronic crossover + tri-amp combination could beat a very good passive crossover (quaility parts and fine tuning) plus a very good power amp. Hence, this XM9 electronic crossover journey began!

For experimental purpose, I just bought four XM9 PCB from Marchand Electronics Inc. After carefully reading of the well-written assembly manual, collection of the quailty parts and suitable case started with 100% confidence. I think everyone will believe this electronic crossover had been well design by Marchand after reading of the manual! The op IC are sixteen OPA2134 and the resistors are PH 1% or 0.1%. The power supply are mono-mono with local well-design +- 15V power supply (http://ucccap.myweb.hinet.net/) (not 7815 and 7915). Connetion cable are Mogami #2791 and pure OCC 1mm. The RCA are CMC high quality connectors. The sound level adjustment between three frequency bands were assisted with frequency generator and AC meter, then final level adjustment with HiFish AC controller and HiFish test CD.

The results is much more than I expected! Every kinds of music become more transparent, more speed, more detail, more power, and more linear across a very large range of sound pressure!

Conclusions: If you could diy, try it! It is 100% bargain while it is 100% high quality of sound! If you could not diy, buy it assembed if you need a electronic crossover!

Strengths:
Transparent, detail, speed, liveness, powerfull low frequency response, and very linear!

Weaknesses:
For diy audiophile: need time and good quality parts

For assembed product: I do not know.

Similar Products Used:
Old colony tube crossover (forgot the name), PA purpose 2-way electonic crossover.

View Comments (1)

Would you like to Comment?
Join audioReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.

Price Paid:  $280.00 from private purchase fro

Summary:
I'm guessing this XM-9 is a pre 1995 model because of the extremely thin power cord (thinner than the cord on my clock radio), but I could be totally wrong. . . So far I am thoroughly disappointed in this crossover. Pro audio friends have told me for years that if I try active biamping, I'll never go back to passive crossovers. Finally, I got the extra power amp and interconnects and the XM-9 crossover and was ready to try. Overall, compared the the stock passive crossovers I was using, this configuration sounds muffled, as if someone just hung several layers of cloth over the speaker cones. Transients are blurred, the sense of liveliness and "presence" is gone. It's just mid-fi boring sound now. And, to make matters worse, the crossover produces so much speaker hiss that you can plainly hear it 6-8 feet away; It's so bad it interferes with quiet acoustic passages. So far a big disappointment. I've written to Marchand Electronics to see if they think the crossover needs servicing. Associated equipment: Sony DVP-S9000 CD/SACD/DVD player PS Audio 5.5 preamp Muse Model 100 power amp (2 units) Altec 604-8K speakers in custom 8.5 cu. ft. cabinets based on Altec 620 cabinet, but with shelf braces and 1.5 inch thick panels (baltic birch and MDF) all around. XLO and JPS cabling.

Strengths:
So far, a waste of time and money. Hoping to receive some useful information/explanation from the manufacturer. If I can correct these problems and enjoy the benefits other reviewers have posted, I'll be happy to post a revised review.

Weaknesses:
See review summary.

Similar Products Used:
Stock Altec Lansing 604-8K crossovers only.

Price Paid:  $365.00 from Marchand on line

Summary:
I built this unit from a kit provided by Marchand. I also purchased the upgrade options. Marchand's kit instructions were excellent as were the quality of the components. I have build many Heathkits over the years and this kit would do Heathkit proud. I also purchase 8 crossover pts at $5.00/kit. The XM9 is not a variable crossover point unit. I can only summarize what this unit does. It's a great external crossover device. If you need an external crossover, e.g., you are using Oris horn, then you'll want to consider this and save yourself a lot of money buying a European design. It also allows you test various subs and low bass units at different crossover points. You can also connect up to two subs. The kit was plug and play. The kit has one or two points where you check your work and the power supply has a self-test diode, so you'll know if you have messed up the power supply (solder bridge like me.)

Strengths:
+ excellent parts + good warranty + good company to deal with + flawess operation

Weaknesses:
- should have balanced outputs = could look a little less like an old (1950s) unit; something that only an engineer would love.

Similar Products Used:
None. Internal speaker crossovers

Summary:
Excellent performance, excellent service, excellent price.
I purchased the assembled unit, and I opted for the
"deluxe connectors" ( although I can't remember what that
was, I think it involved the gold plating). There are a few
more options, sensible ones, essentially involving
flexibility and expandability.

Strengths:
I can only agree with what has already been stated.This product is outstanding.

Weaknesses:
None.

Price Paid:  $375.00 from Marchand Electronics

Summary:
I enjoyed the kit version in the deluxe mode. I was able to use my own higher quality wiring, tailored the input impedances to 100K, higher performance op amps, far cheaper and less noise than the tube crossover. The dampening capabilities are great at the crossover points, 24db / octave slopes, plug in modules are a plus, for whatever crossover points desired. Highly recommended than any other types for assuring build quality yourself and tailered to your liking. Phil and Leo at Marchand will answer and help with any issues, they also sell passive preamps and power amps, first rate company.

Strengths:
Adds no sound of its own, design intent is first rate, parts quality for the deluxe version

Weaknesses:
none

Similar Products Used:
Marchand XM-26 tube crossover