Wet sounds rev 8 v exile xm9

I have narrowed a tower speaker selection down to a pair of wet sounds rev 8 v a pair of exile xm9.

What are the pros and cons of each? It seems exile is very popular on the forum for customer service and the fender balls.

I really like the wet sound ws 420 with ability to talk over the tower speaker, but exile doesn't seem to have that or did I over look that?
Also how well does the gear as mix of brands. I assume that could be a problem if there is warranty work needed.

Thanks in advance for the feedback.

Let the battling begin!!!

Rev10 and WS 420 unless the PM's you get offer a price break too good to turn down ;)

For $150 extra, I don't see a reason not to jump to the 10 (especially with one pair) other than to give Exile a chance to compete.

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Originally Posted by KG's Supra24

Rev10 and WS 420 unless the PM's you get offer a price break too good to turn down ;)

For $150 extra, I don't see a reason not to jump to the 10 (especially with one pair) other than to give Exile a chance to compete.

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DONE. End of Story. THREAD OVER................NOT!!
I agree with KG but this is just getting started. Soon to be blown up.
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I have narrowed a tower speaker selection down to a pair of wet sounds rev 8 v a pair of exile xm9.

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Both are 8" HLCD speakers. Unless there has been a revision, the xm9 only has a 1.5" voice coil compression driver compared to the Rev-8 2.0" voice coil. This equals more power handling deeper mid-bass extension. Although the xm9 pods looks large, the internal volume is pretty close to the Rev-8

The Rev-8 offers 3 clamping options, direct, fixed clamp and swivel. The TC3-S swivel allows for not only the speaker leads to be concealed in the collar, but also 4 smaller leads for the optional LEDs. They use a male and female terminal, so there is a positive connection between all the leads, even as the pod is swiveled. The exile method uses an old style head-phone jack. This has a plated male post contacting a thin spring tab inside the collar. These are prone to wear spots, resulting in poor contact.

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It seems exile is very popular on the forum for customer service

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No disputing there are plenty of exile issues that pop up here, and then get taken care of. What you dont see, are thousands of satisfied Wet Sounds customers that have purchased through their local dealers. This gives the consumer a number of advantages over having to deal through the internet. You get to demo the product prior to purchase. You get local on sight support such as system design, installation and tuning. If an issue arises later, they will also work with you to resolve it. You also get full factory support.

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I really like the wet sound ws 420 with ability to talk over the tower speaker, but exile doesn't seem to have that or did I over look that?

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Heres another huge difference between the WS-420SQ and the zld.

The 420 is a dual EQ in a single chassis, where as the zld is a single EQ. The WS-420 allows you to tune the tower speakers independently of the in-boat speakers and visa verse. With the zld, what ever EQ adjustments you make to one zone, you are also making to the other zone. Compare that alone considering the two units are the same retail price.

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Also how well does the gear as mix of brands.

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Electrically, there are no issues amps, speakers and subs can all live in harmony.

You got to love these threads.
Matt,
You raised two product comparisons, one the EQs and the other the tower speakers.
So between the EQs...
Both have the same price and you can get a deal on both.
Yes, the Wetsounds has the PA/mic that you won't find on the Exile. That is very beneficial, especially when teaching.
But there are far more important differences.
The Wetsounds EQ has BT options, and several of them. Not in the develop stage but here and now.
The biggest issue is that the Wetsounds actually has two full zone equalizers in a single chassis. So you can make tonal adjustments to the tower zone without effecting the in-boat zone, with the inverse also being true. This feature I huge.
The Exile has front panel clutter, much of which is not necessary, such as a polarity inversion and an adjustable lowpass filter for the subwoofer. Both features are included within the input section of most every amplifier so there is no point in having redundancy. In fact both should be set once in tuning a system for optimum performance and should not be continuously variable. Also, I do not want the negative phase implications of cascaded lowpass filters. So those are a couple of marks against the Exile EQ. These are simply antiquated features from a shared EQ platform dating back to the '80s and '90s. Common on EQs in the $50 to $80 price point but not on higher end EQs, unless fully defeatable.

Wetsounds Rev8 versus Exile XM9...
They are both 8-inch speakers by every industry standard. Not sure where the '9' model designation comes from. The Exile has 5/16" more effective diameter (peak of surround to peak of surround), about the same as the width of a #2 pencil, which by itself is too minimal in surface area to translate into a perceivable output difference.
Here is what I like about the Wetsounds Rev8 design,
* Polyglass composite midbass cone. Immediately you can tell how much more rigid this cone is as compared to basic poly cone. The Wetsounds Polyglass cone has far less cone break-up modes when driven hard.
*Larger voice coil on the Rev8 means more power handling.
*The Rev8 has a fully developed one-piece horn geometry. It's not interrupted like the Exile when it transitions with a seam from a tube to a grill used to finish off the horn flare. The horn geometry on the Rev8 is designed for a smooth response, as smooth as you can get from a high output HLCD. The Exile is a long straight pipe followed by an abrupt flare, which emulates more of a trumpet. And so the Exile has a distinct sonic signature.
*The Rev8 is voiced for the best linearity you can get from an HLCD. To me the Exile highs sound like someone has serious hearing loss. The Exile high frequency accentuation certainly helps the peak output but grates on me quickly.
*There is more bracing inside the Rev8 pod to support the heavy driver and add to the pod structural integrity.
*All wires are concealed on both, but the Rev8 has a quick disconnect collar system that provides far better grip and contact area and is exceptionally reliable. The Wetsounds contacts are like a high power SpeakOn or Neutrik connector used in prosound heavy, higher current, speaker connections, where the Exile uses a 1/4" phone jack, like a low level guitar cord.
*The Wetsounds has a swivel/disconnect collar as an option. It costs a bit more but you get quality.
The collar has a nylon thread retainer plus a stainless steel fork to make absolutely certain that the pod stays on the tower until you want it off. It's extra insurance. Very smart engineering. Well worth the extra cost.
*The Exile has an attenuation switch for the tweeter in the nose cone. But here's the issue with a passive attenuation circuit. By the time it is enough to make an audible attenuation difference it is beginning to mess up the crossover....since crossover elements are dependent on the resistive value to determine the frequency. With a 2nd or 3rd order crossover with both series and parallel elements, this gets messy. So this is best left up to active equalization like you have with the Wetounds EQ with the independent zones.

Wow, MLA and David have an opinion on the matter? Wait so you pro Wetsounds?
This is ridiculous, you copy and paste this stuff? They are great both fantastic products, but you two have a have an obvious beef with Exile. This gets so old. Don't you guys have anything better to do with your Sunday than jump on every VS thread and spew?
"Honey I'll be right there, someone on the internet is about to by Exile!"
24 karat stupid.

and interesting in that neither one sells them online so really no horse in the race.

really wish there were more dealers that sold both so you could demo them both.

I bought wetsounds speakers and am happy with the product, but I believe that I would be equally as happy with exile as well. lots of people give them rave reviews and both tim and brian offer top notch customer service showing their level of commitment to both brands....

Newty,
Or maybe we could just freely expound on the merits of the products and differences as we view or understand them.
Instead of trying to create motives and reasons for why statements are made or why preferences exist.
I guess that is an effective way to dismiss a contrary opinion.
Is there any part of the post that you know to be untrue?

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Originally Posted by sandm

and interesting in that neither one sells them online so really no horse in the race.

really wish there were more dealers that sold both so you could demo them both.

I bought wetsounds speakers and am happy with the product, but I believe that I would be equally as happy with exile as well. lots of people give them rave reviews and both tim and brian offer top notch customer service showing their level of commitment to both brands....

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I agree with everything in your post.
There are lots of members here that own Exile and are happy with Exile.
I also believe Exile becomes very attractive at a certain price....just not at the same head to head price as Wetsounds on the two products specifically being compared here in this thread by the OP....for many of the reasons that I cited above.
Exile does a great job of taking care of it's on-line customers. And so does Wetsounds, as do many other retailers every day. Those examples just aren't promoted as actively.
We hear of many problems that get resolved in a very satisfactory way. Wetsounds has annual sales many, many times that of Exile, yet we hear of fewer overall problems.

David not at all, but you and MLA both retailers of WS (or retired) and terminated as Exile retailers, you obviously had a dog in the fight.
I'm merely saying you guys hate Exile so much that you will spend unbelievable amounts of time in a day to discredit them.
I just can't imagine wasting that much time of my life especially on Sunday to write this.
Do you guys have lives, or families you could be spending time with? I guarantee the exile folks aren't going to post because they are spending time enjoying their weekend with family and friends.
Your technical ramblings are at a 20,000ft level for 99% of users. People don't even read this crap anymore. Quit wasting the OPs time.
It's all just noise...

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Originally Posted by newty

Wow, MLA and David have an opinion on the matter? Wait so you pro Wetsounds?
This is ridiculous, you copy and paste this stuff? They are great both fantastic products, but you two have a have an obvious beef with Exile. This gets so old. Don't you guys have anything better to do with your Sunday than jump on every VS thread and spew?
"Honey I'll be right there, someone on the internet is about to by Exile!"
24 karat stupid.

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Its "buy"

:p

So, beyond the personal comments toward me, what is your input? How do you think these particular products actually compare? Is there anything posted that is inaccurate or incorrect that you would like to further discuss?

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David not at all, but you and MLA both retailers of WS (or retired) and terminated as Exile retailers, you obviously had a dog in the fight

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Sadly, Someone has been given some inaccurate info in this regard.

Funny thing is, you seem to have spent as much time in this thread, all be it not one word is on topic, as i have LOL!

newty,
You just retuned to the same tactic of trying to invent motivation for why statements are made in order to dismiss those statements. It would appear that you are acting as part of the Exile camp and simply regurgitating what Exile tells you.
If you want some truth contact me privately. This is not the place to air that laundry. But I definitely have something to share in order to set the record straight. I really welcome that inquiry.
I've been totally retired from the industry for two years. So I really don't have a horse in the race.
I do have strong opinions, I love to talk audio, have a low tolerance for inaccuracies, and do get very technical. I like technical because I like objective. There is plenty of other space for others to speak in the realm of more basic terms or in the subjective. Both should be part of an open forum. Sometimes I might enlighten and bring new perspectives on things people may not have considered otherwise. Some may anticipate it. Some undoubtedly tune it out. That's my contribution. Not everyone agrees. Some strongly disagree. And I can live with that because again, I really don't have a horse in this race. I have no gain or loss by brand preferences and what people do with their buying decisions.
So maybe back to the OP question?

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Originally Posted by MLA

Its "buy"

:p

So, beyond the personal comments toward me, what is your input? How do you think these particular products actually compare? Is there anything posted that is inaccurate or incorrect that you would like to further discuss?



Sadly, Someone has been given some inaccurate info in this regard.

Funny thing is, you seem to have spent as much time in this thread, all be it not one word is on topic, as i have LOL!

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Thank for the spell check and the cute smiley face.
No personal comments were made.
It's sad I know, however this is the first time I posted in regard to your WS fanboy posts.
Share with us what you do for a living MLA. So we can better understand your WS fan base.
It's buy... Its buy...

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Originally Posted by MLA

Its "buy"

:p




... time in this thread, all be it not one word ...

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It's 'albeit'..... ;)

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Originally Posted by csm

It's 'albeit'..... ;)

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Glad to see some are actually reading the threads, not just keying off who is posting :cool:

I've heard boats with Exile that sound terrible. I've heard boats with WetSounds that sound terrible.

They must both be bad!

Kraco is the only way to go!

My BMW goes over 100 mph and so does my Audi. Which one is better going to the store?:confused:

This does get old..

A few posts ago, a question about jl vs exile came up and it turn into this crap again.

Both great marine products for what we do as a hobby, enjoy boating!

I had the WS420 since I wanted the mic, and Exile speakers on the tower. It sounded great and nothing exploded. Both companies make great stuff.

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Originally Posted by brain_rinse

I had the WS420 since I wanted the mic, and Exile speakers on the tower. It sounded great and nothing exploded. Both companies make great stuff.

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That's awesome! At least if there was flash combustion when combing these two caustic elements you would have the mic to warn..."LOOK OUT!!!"

I grilled ribs & asparagus for dinner tonight.

It was delicious, but now my pee smells awful.

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Go see the installs on Instagram. Winning.

I get a silly feeling, seeing all the stacks of audio equipment. :D

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Originally Posted by MLA

You get local on sight support such as system design, installation and tuning.

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man do I feel sorry for the op in this thread. 21 posts and wonder if he will make it to 22 after this thread.....

I have to admit, I get a little giddy looking at the stacks of audio gear, no matter the vendor. like a kid at christmas...
I'd take any of those stacks in my boat...

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Originally Posted by sandm

man do I feel sorry for the op in this thread. 21 posts and wonder if he will make it to 22 after this thread.....

I have to admit, I get a little giddy looking at the stacks of audio gear, no matter the vendor. like a kid at christmas...
I'd take any of those stacks in my boat...

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When i see those stacks, I feel fiberglass in my hands, wire end stabbing my finger tips. Sore knees, shoulders, back from contortions in the cubby.

Lol

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Originally Posted by beat taco

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Their you go, another person paying attention to the content, LOL

Oh man ... this argument has taken us all the way to their vs there.

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Originally Posted by KG's Supra24

Oh man ... this argument has taken us all the way to their vs there.

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Wye knot, the only to trying to stay on topic, are catching flack from one particular camp.

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Originally Posted by beat taco

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Oh yes, the WW fender ball thread.

I know just about everyone here gets the exile emails, so you've got the see the humor in the spelling and grammar.

From my personal experience, both sound great. I don't think you can go wrong. What sold me on the exile xm9's was the clamps and the overall look. I like that I can easily remove the speakers when it's in my driveway or spin them right around when parked on the island. I know WS has the swivel clamp. I just liked exiles overall look and design better.

I just purchased two pairs of the xm9's as well as two pairs of the sx65m's. I currently have the ws420sq and love it.

I still can't figure out why people get so fired up about this topic. Happens every time. It even came to attacking grammar and spelling.

.....what I want to know is when is the wetsounds A-Link being released!?

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Originally Posted by liquid_acid

I still can't figure out why people get so fired up about this topic. Happens every time. It even came to attacking grammar and spelling.

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A feeling of indebtedness is my guess.

Price being the same, I don't see any arguments for Exile > Wetsounds. Most of the forum members can, but won't, tell you they didn't pay MSRP for Exile.

The grammar/spelling stuff is all in good fun. I appreciate the audio guys input on the forums, as they have helped me debug multiple issues.

Back to the topic, here is what I've found, which is in no way comprehensive. I purchased my boat used, and it had all Exile when I bought it, so I haven't had to make this decision yet.

Pros/Cons of the XM9:
- I'm not an audiophile, but to my ear they sound great, and one pair is louder than I'll ever need.
- As mentioned, the customer service is fantastic, as I'm sure WetSounds service is as well.
- I agree with the comments about the guitar style connector. I'm not a fan. It's convenient to attach/remove the speaker, but I've had issues with the connection that the guitar style makes. I occasionally have to rattle the speaker around a little.

WS420 vs. ZLD:
- I've owned both, and for pure functionality, you can't beat the WS420.
- I find that when the boat is underway, the WS420 is harder for me to manipulate, especially the outer rings. The rubber coating on mine also eventually degraded. I'm not sure if the newer version still have a rubber coating on the knobs, but mine all started tearing off, which I found annoying.
- If I had to choose again, I would still choose the WS420. It just does everything you need, and the mic is also awesome.

You really cannot rationally argue with someone, anyone over what sounds best to them or what looks best to them, or who they feel comfortable doing business with. You can only express your own opinion on these matters.
Sometimes people draw comparisons between their favorite and another product that they do not own, and really know little about. That's a source of irritation.
Unless I am drawn into some other tangent, I like to talk about actual design and build quality differences. Those things aren't necessarily a dealer breaker or maker either way. But they are things that I would recognize that others may not. Whenever something new came out, when I was once involved, I would open it up (at least one product from any given series) and dissect it, in as much detail as possible. Been doing that with everything for as long as I can remember. And I have always been very vocal about what I found to manufacturers, yes publically, but to an even greater degree privately. Sometimes that 'push' in the form of critical feedback makes for better products. And it definitely has in this category.
After owning Class D amplifiers does anyone really want to return to Class AB?
Initially ALL HLCDS sounded absolutely awful. It didn't matter if you had a Wetsounds Pro60 or an Exile XM7. Although they sounded a little different, and not as different as owner's opinions would suggest, they both sounded equally bad and either 6.5" could hurt you. Because of the 'push back' products got better and today both companies have discontinued their 6.5" HLCD offerings. From a production standpoint, it costs little extra to make an 8" versus a 6.5". Both companies now make an 8-inch surf speaker also.
Many of these changes originated from these forums more so than any other source.

Quote, "It's convenient to attach/remove the speaker, but I've had issues with the connection that the guitar style makes. I occasionally have to rattle the speaker around a little."

I've seen this a lot with both Sampson and Exile tower speakers. In fact, the Cobalt dealer used to call frequently with this issue on OEM Sampsons.

There can be several issues going on here. A phone jack consists of a 'round' post making contact with a spring loaded (actually sprung steel) 'flat' blade. 'Flat' against 'round' makes very little surface area contact. So there is little room for error. This is compounded by the fact that the last/outer contact point is a full inch away from the base of the 1/4" post. Any ultra small fractional error that causes the collar to be under stress or uneven stress will multiply in distance down the 1-inch post. This is further compounded by shock and vibration. You may notice that it isn't long before the male post chrome is worn away exposing the copper layer underneath.
Here are a few issues that can help you with the Exile collars and connections.
*If you are mounting to a tower where the tube is beginning to go into a bend or radius. This makes the round tube a bit out-of-round. A small positional shift could make a difference.
*If the installer didn't apply equal torgue to both bolts that close the collar. So check and see if the overlapping collars inner and outer pieces have the identical front and rear gap.
*Take your speakers off the tower when trailing a long distance at higher speeds.
*Remove the collar and reverse it. This can temporarily mitigate the problem and maybe buy you another season without the intermittent chatter.

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Originally Posted by KG's Supra24

A feeling of indebtedness is my guess.

Price being the same, I don't see any arguments for Exile > Wetsounds. Most of the forum members can, but won't, tell you they didn't pay MSRP for Exile.

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Well, that's unfortunate. Because members don't have to pay MSRP for Wetsounds or JL Audio products either.
Wetsounds has a different business model. They have a much large dealer network and they depend on those dealers.
So Wetsounds does not openly and aggressively discount on a direct-to-consumer basis.
Also, most Wetsounds and JL Audio dealers adhere to their franchise agreements and do not advertise the products below MSRP or MAP (minimum advertised price). That doesn't mean you can't get the same forum, zone, and system discounts. You can get the same discounts.
You can also get the best installation and fabrication assistance, enclosure design assistance, trouble shooting assistance, and system tuning assistance from people who are infinitely better versed in these practices.