Altec model 19 crossovers by Iconic. Anyone familiar?

**Mizzou** · November 25th, 2014, 02:04 PM

Howdy folks.

I'm contemplating a speaker project that would combine the Model 19 cabinet plans from Jeff Markwart's site: Model 19 Shop Working Prints

With the 802-8G mid/tweeter and the 416-8B woofer as built by Great Plains Audio: Great Plains Audio's Classic Series Products

I'm contemplating building a pair of Yuchi horns for the upper end, but will get a pair of 811-B's to try too: Speaker Drawings

I'm fairly comfortable with all of this to this point, but input is welcome. What I haven't decided on is what to use for a crossover. There are two offerings from Iconic, but I know nothing about them: Iconic Speaker Manufacturing - Speaker Crossovers and then there is the active route such as Marchand, ect: Marchand XM9 Active Crossover Network

So, what do you folks think, which in the end would sound best in your estimation? I like the idea of the Marchand, but I'm somewhat concerned about the added complexity.

TIA

Rick

**bowtie427ss** · November 26th, 2014, 09:04 AM

So, what do you folks think, which in the end would sound best in your estimation?

Active bi-amplification.

2nd choice for me would be sourcing original Nineteen networks and rebuilding them with the component quality of your choice, this would also allow for tweaking of the topology and filter parameters.

3rd choice, plug n play solution, new N1201's from GPA.

1000x1000

**endeeinn** · November 26th, 2014, 10:35 AM

I use a Marchand XM-9 and it performs great. As far as complexity goes it may be a little more complex in that you have more control of your system but I consider that a positive. If you contact Phil Marchand he can build it the HF compensation that is in Markwart's design.

**Mizzou** · November 26th, 2014, 01:05 PM

Ah interesting, two thumbs up to not being a fraidy cat.

Thats great, I like the idea of the active approach due to all I've read about the benefits of direct coupling between the speakers drivers and your amplifiers. Plus it might end up being a good excuse to acquire some more toob gear.

I have family in the OKC area that I've not been down to visit in some time. I could drive down to visit them and maybe make arrangements to talk to the folks at GPA while there.

I have a source here in Jefferson City for nice, cabinet grade baltic birch ply, and as I said; I'm aware of the shop drawings on Jeff's site. Are there any known, or preferred alterations routinely done to the factory specs of these enclosures? I've already decided to use 4 bolts vs 2 with fender washers to hold the top bonnet on, I don't like the look of just 2.

Anyway, thanks for the input guys. Anything else you think of please feel free to shout out.

Rick

**Mizzou** · November 26th, 2014, 03:16 PM

These aren't factory stock obviously, but I do love the understated appearance of them. Very tastefully executed IMO.

Anyone know by chance who built them?

**Alien_Shore** · November 27th, 2014, 12:54 PM

Originally Posted by Mizzou

These aren't factory stock obviously, but I do love the understated appearance of them. Very tastefully executed IMO.

Anyone know by chance who built them?

I don't know, but I sure do like that! Those have WAF written on them.

**Mizzou** · December 10th, 2014, 02:54 PM

Originally Posted by Mizzou

These aren't factory stock obviously, but I do love the understated appearance of them. Very tastefully executed IMO.

Anyone know by chance who built them?

I stumbled across the origin of these. They were built by Greg at Volti. They look to me like a cross between a Belle and a model 19, but in fact the bass unit is JBL. The top end I think is B&C and Beyma. As I understand it these were built before the Vittora.

**Altec Best** · November 27th, 2014, 03:44 PM

Originally Posted by Alien_Shore

I don't know, but I sure do like that! Those have WAF written on them.

If they had a vertical wood support down in the woofer section they would almost look like a Klipsch Belle IMHO..

Don't know much about the Yuichi Horns.. But from what I hear about the Iconic Crossovers is that they are quite expensive..Never heard them so can't comment on their sound quality.What I did was I bought a pair of donor crossovers from ePay and put my originals away..Then I just rebuilt the donor pair.

BTW- Welcome to the board Rick !

**Mizzou** · November 27th, 2014, 04:21 PM

Originally Posted by Altec Best

If they had a vertical wood support down in the woofer section they would almost look like a Klipsch Belle IMHO..

Don't know much about the Yuichi Horns.. But from what I hear about the Iconic Crossovers is that they are quite expensive..Never heard them so can't comment on their sound quality.What I did was I bought a pair of donor crossovers from ePay and put my originals away..Then I just rebuilt the donor pair.

BTW- Welcome to the board Rick !

Thanks, AB.

Yes, the WAF on this pair is good, for something this big. They do resemble the Belle's, which I always thought was the best looking Klipsch design.

AB, is there a build thread here for your crossover build? It looks interesting and I wouldn't mind reading about them.

I've got my patterns sorted out for the Yuchi horns, it should prove an interesting project. I'm making one of the 2" throat versions, only time can tell if they sound nice or not.