Marchand has been in business for decades. I had a Marchand crossover nearly forty years ago. It worked great, eventually a neighbor kid destroyed the speakers and replacement parts for the speakers were unobtainium. Imo you can buy from Marchand with full confidence.
High Pass Filter for Mains
My problem is too much bass and no acoustic way to control it. I've managed to reduce the 10db bump at 63hz to 5 db, but I want to try a sub to better control it. So my plan was to high pass my mains and use the sub for control below 90hz. I've found several active crossovers but they're both expensive and overkill for what I need. I'm looking at an SVS 1000pro sub.
I found what I need at Marchand Elec. for a reasonable price.
XM46SB-AA Passive crossover 24dB/oct in small box,RCA, two channel $ 325.00
But there is a 4 week lead time and I'm not so confident in the company after a brief conversation. So one question is about whether this company is solid and worth waiting for the product.
Meanwhile, I thought I'd ask the group about alternatives or other suggestions. Are there other high quality passive HP filters out there under $500? I also looked at the HSU High End crossover but it's active and I don't really want additional electronics in the way. I don't care much about the packaging as long as the parts quality is good. Maybe there are other companies like Marchand who make such a product?
Many of the active subs have an output for the mains that offer a HP filter. I can’t speak to the quality of them, but they definitely exist, and some might be good. Lots of people do it and are satisfied. Another active option that’s really affordable is to use an automotive active crossover for the high pass. The Pyle 2-way is under $40. Add a 12V wall wart, and it’s a go. I’m using one for low pass only, and it’s been great in that capacity, but can’t speak for the quality of the high pass, but I’d imagine it’s on par with the HP options offered in most subs.
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I went in a different direction, but researched these https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/752261-REG/dbx_234XS_234xs_Crossover_XLR.html I don't know anything about them but ASR measured one and it measured better then its price. |
In my speakers, the tuned port is not just low end. It's a tube that terminates an inch from the back of the woofer. Plugging it muffles everything. The Merchand filter is 24 db while HSU is 12. It is essentially a single cap for each channel. I was hoping for an off the shelf alternative to waiting a month. I'm impatient. |
This would work from sublime acoustics ($600) They also have one with balanced connections and use very good parts. Another option is an inline highpass from Harrison… it is $28 and sounds transparent to me. It will be 12db so use two if you want 24db. https://www.parts-express.com/FMOD-Crossover-Pair-100-Hz-High-Pass-266-274?quantity=1
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Thanks for the inputs. I think I'm going with the Marchand balanced passive filters with a 80hz cross. It's $200 more but fits my connectivity better. What I meant about "a single cap" is its a single connection for me. Inside it's full of components. He offers 30 day returns so I'll order the sub when it arrives and have 30 days to evaluate. I'm just surprised with all the niche audiophile products out there, only one guy makes these. It makes me wonder whether this is an unusual endeavor in audiophileland. I've seen some previous discussions but no real conclusions. I'll report back when I complete the experiment. |
I’m pretty sure GR Research, you can google their website, makes passive hi-pass filters. They design crossovers for speaker manufacturers. They will use much higher components than anything discussed above and they are very reasonably priced. A cheap hi-pass filter will seriously degrade your sound. |
Want to point out that even if you do use an analog crossover, a DSP EQ on the sub is still beneficial. I would say if you can leave your high pass for your main amp and let the DSP handle the low pass for the sub, and everything else you'll find much better flexibility and easier time integrating the sub with the room and the sub with your mains. |
I have alot of marchand and have no problems you can read the reviews say there noisy but I can't hear it.sublime acoustics make some .mini dsp you could get fast but have to use computer to program. Parts express carry some just a dial for two way high and low made out of salt Lake city.i do like electronic crossovers.put the sublime on my infinity irs v sound great you can change the cards in them to change crossovers but minidsp plug computer in change it all.many u tube videos on them watch it.have some bryston 10 crossovers expensive.enjoy the music |
Thanks again for all the suggestions. I feel much better about Marchand and it's the right solution for my needs. I always prefer the simplest circuit with the fewest components. The SVS SB-1000 has dsp eq built in with app control. I definitely expect to utilize it. Otherwise I would just be duplicating my problem. If it works out, I would look to upgrade to a sub with variable phase. From 100hz up, my system is +/- 1.5db and sounds great. If I can get the frequencies below that to +/- 3db I'll be happy. |
I have the Marchand XM446 passive balanced high pass filter and it worked as advertised and seemed to add nothing to the sound of my system except for cutting off the low bass signal to my main speakers as it was designed to do. However, since my main speakers are an acoustic suspension design that extends to 40 Hz, and because I roll the two subs in at a pretty low frequency of 45 Hz, after a year of comparisons I concluded the filter was not really needed in my system, but I haven't yet gotten around to selling it. I suspect the filter would work great with most stand mounted main speakers and even some floorstanders that are being called on to do a bit more in the bass than they are capable of. |
@mashif - mine is already posted but the crossover frequency is maybe too low for you at 45 Hz. |