External Crossover question

[sbelyo]

I'm thinking of leaving the crossover external and not putting it inside the speaker cabinet.

Are there any negatives in doing this?

My reason is so that I can upgrade the crossover components when funds allow.

[sdclc126]

No there are no negatives - the crossover components of course take up some volume inside the cabinet, so you might consider that in your box size calculations if you really want to sweat the details.

I put my crossovers on the rear panels of my speakers - I added extensions to the top and sides of the cabs to cover them from view, for aesthetic considerations - I bought them pre-built, otherwise I would have built them with the rear panel "sunk" into the cabinet for the same effect.

It's kind of fun to turn the speakers around when I have company over, so I can show off my handywork!

[sbelyo]

Right on...

I got the idea from a hifi show I went to. I saw external crossovers made with capacitors that were bigger than the speakers

[sdclc126]

Just be careful about "upgrading" crossover components - it's often a waste of money with no audible benefit. Poly caps have tighter tolerances than electrolytic, and should last longer, but that's about it IMHO.

This is of course a topic of endless debate, but that's my story and I'm stickin' to it. I put my crossovers external because my cabs came completely assembled, so I really didn't have much choice, but I'm also swapping out my woofers and now have a completely different XO design, so it's convenient for that too.

Hmmm...capacitors larger than the speakers - either very large caps or very small speakers, or both. Whatever they are I feel quite confident they are great for show but of little benefit otherwise.

[owdi]

Originally posted by sbelyo
Are there any negatives in doing this?

With easy access, the urge to tweak your crossover will be much stronger, making it more difficult to relax and enjoy the music.


Dan

[ackcheng]

Would putting the crossover externally change the volume inside the cabinet?

[Inductor]

Originally posted by ackcheng
Would putting the crossover externally change the volume inside the cabinet?

Yes ackcheng .
Putting it inside or removing it changes the volume.

[BHTX]

Originally posted by ackcheng
Would putting the crossover externally change the volume inside the cabinet?

Of course, as sdclc126 stated. And obviously, how much volume it takes up just depends on how you'd have it mounted in the enclosure if you did keep it in there. For instance, if you kept the crossover components completely enclosed in their own little chamber or section inside the cabinet, it'll obviously take up more volume that will need to be accounted for.

[BHTX]

Inductor: Ah! You beat me!!

[sbelyo]

Originally posted by owdi


With easy access, the urge to tweak your crossover will be much stronger, making it more difficult to relax and enjoy the music.


Dan

I know... such as my nature. I usualy build stuff with price in mind and then upgrade to other end of the spectrum just to see what the difference sounds like.

I sell my projects off as I upgrade and look back on them as knowledge learned.

Actually the cabinets will most likely cost the most so I want to be able to change drivers and change the crossover at will.

I suck at woodworking so I'll have to have the cabinets made