dbx At P.E.

[sdclc126]

For anyone interested, PartsExpress is now carrying dbx, including the DriveRack active crossover series.

One of the well-regarded brands for those into active speaker building. A little pricier than some, but very well built I'm told.

I can't get a link to work here, but just go to the manufacturer's drop-down menu on the site - they're listed.

[crs1]

dbx is very good i have 4 compressor/gates and 5 215 EQ's on my live sound sys but there not as good as ashly but still one of the top lines

[sdclc126]

What do you like in particular about the Ashlys? I haven't gone active yet but plan to some day.

[crs1]

like i said i use them on my live sound sys and they are very clean and ashly is very high quality but can be a bit pricey that is why i only have a few ashly components at the moment . the only benefit i see for going active in home audio is being able to change the x-over freq. at the drop of a hat that is why active is used in pro audio it makes it nice when building systems in the home to be able to hear what the different x-over points sound like before you build the passive the only draw backs are you need more components like 3 power amps .

[auplater]

"the only benefit i see for going active in home audio is being able to change the x-over freq. at the drop of a hat"

The voice of reason!

This position won't be terribly popular around here, as most of the posts revolve around "how can you possibly think a PASSIVE XOVER" can sound as good as an ACTIVE ONE" How gauch

After all, It's tough to do 48dB/octave passive, right (which anyone with half a brain nose(sic))??

John L.

[sdclc126]

Well I'm all for being reasonable and not spending money unnecessarily. I've long been suspect about audible differences between active and passive, and that's the bottom line for me. It's just that I highly respect designers such as Linkwitz, who won't do anything BUT active.

I guess the best way to know is to test two speakers of the same design, one active & one passive. Wonder if anybody's ever done this.

[crs1]

This position won't be terribly popular around here, as most of the posts revolve around "how can you possibly think a PASSIVE XOVER" can sound as good as an ACTIVE ONE" How gauch

After all, It's tough to do 48dB/octave passive, right (which anyone with half a brain nose(sic))??

well we have to remember including me that 95% of people in the world wouldn't know the difference we are a different breed on this forum .with me in the home passive is fine in my truck and in my pro audio sys. ie. live sound using passive i might just as well put a gun in my mouth it just depends on what the person is trying to get out of there sys. and what the person is into

[Brett]

Originally posted by crs1
the only benefit i see for going active in home audio is being able to change the x-over freq. at the drop of a hat

If you have the amps, then I can't think of a single reason why you'd go passive. I'm about to build another 6 channels (well two are resto/redigns on an old Fisher) and will be using a Quest pro amp for the subs.

Once set up, I never alter anything on my PA rigs wrt xovers and speaker specific EQ and I don't know anyone else who does. The reaons active is used in pro world includes, steeper xovers for better control of out of band mush, lower poer losses because of no passive X, better matching of amplifier power to drivers, delay compensation in DR/horn mixtures
http://sound.westhost.com/bi-amp.htm

Passive crossover parts of good quality are expensive, bulky and sap power. I'll stay active thanks.

[sdclc126]

That makes good sense too!

[BobEllis]

Originally posted by sdclc126
That makes good sense too!

Yep - There are good reasons to be in either camp. It's all about tradeoffs and what YOUR priorities are at the moment.

In my case, I rarely leave well enough alone for long as far as speakers go. It ends up being easier/less expensive to go active, and I am more likely to keep tweaking towards "perfection" once I get a decent sound. I use DIY analog active crossovers. Changing out a couple of resistors is a piece of cake.

I went on an amp building binge a while ago, so that expense part of the equation is moot.