Biamplification in Mid-Fi?

One easy way you can actively bi-amp is by simply adding a powered subwoofer that has a good high pass x-over section. And there lies the problem. I've run into only two brands that offer "inexpensive" subs that have good (read smooth & transparent)internal x-overs. They are Velodyne and HSU. For example, you can get a brand new Velodyne FSR-12 for right around $900. The HSU's will be less. I have a pair of Studio Reference 20s in another system and they REALLY sing when you relieve them of low frequency duties. A better but more complicated approach is to buy a Marchand XM-9 deluxe x-over. It is a bit smoother and more transparent than the HSU or Velodyne x-overs and preferable to the Bryston 10B. This approach allows a broader choice of subs. By filtering out some lows, you can now use some of the more inexpensive but still excellent low power amps that are out there (like the Rogue 88) and still get good volume levels. Tube amps in particular (like the Rogue 88) become a real possibility. Did I mention the Rogue 88? Also , I would not be the least bit shy about openning up your speakers of choice and having a look inside at the x-over. My Studio Reference 20's x-overs, for example, are straight forward and should lend themselves nicely to being bypassed with the Marchand set to a 1500-1800 HZ symetrical, 24 DB per octave x-over. Another course is to bypass the internal, passive x-over and build another external passive one with the same component values but using higher quality parts. This approach is more time consumming but is definately cheaper and results in a less complicated system than a biamped one.

the marchand xm-9 deluxe is exactly the x-over i'm using, & 1953 is right - it's great, & it's wery flexible. i currently have it set to 60 hz, x'd over to a pair of subs. but when i can get those newform r645's i want, the x-over goes back to marchand for conversion to their 3-way model, so i can run the newforms in a true active-crossover bi-amped setup, as well as x'ing over to my subs...

I'll be making a rather large purchase from Marchand very soon. I need several crossovers and was already planning on using his products. It's good to see others on this forum came to the same conclusions about his products that a few others that i know have. There is something to be said for "mass customer satisfaction". Sean >