Active modules for 2-way loudspeakers?

[roffe]

I have tried searching for projects using active crossover/amplifying modules for loudspeakers here, but found little of interest. Maybe I am using the wrong search words.

I am planning on building a set of 2-way loudspeakers with active crossovers and EQ, and hope to avoid the process of designing passive crossovers at all.

Currently, I am trying to find a selection of alternative 2-way plate amp/crossover solutions to choose from. Any input is appreciated.

I am currently in contact with an importer here in Norway who will probably order some modules, but even so, hearing about other products and designs and how they are utilised will be quite helpful. If possible, I like to learn from other peoples experiences. Makes it easier to avoid common mistakes.

[fb]

http://www.redrocksaudio.es./e_main.html

[Francec]

roffe,
I used Rod Elliot's projects to bi-amp a two way crossing over at 2.5 kHz with great results. It is a fair bit of work but worth the effort. I built the electronics into the bottom of the speaker.
I've only done one of the two and am now in the process of tri-amping, that is, converting to a three way.

Some liks below;
Active cross-over
Chip amp LM3886

I used the chip amp modules (bridging two to drive the woofer), the Linkwitz-Riley 24dB active cross-over, speaker protectors and the balanced driver to bridge the amps.

Frank

[pk]

Hello Roffe,

I use the amps and digital crossovers from GroundSound. You will find them here:

www.groundsound.com

The amps sound good and the digital crossover is VERY user friendly:-).

The company is located in Denmark, so it's not too far away from you!

Best regards
Peter

[fb]

To expand on my post above, redrocks sell 200W and 1000W ClassD amp modules, digital crossover modules, and an SMPS to power all the above.

[planet10]

Solen has some examples of ready to plug in 2-way plate amps

http://www.solen.ca/pub/cms_nf_catal...u1=1&niveau2=2

dave

[Daytona50]

The combo if ICE amplifier Modules and the excellent Xilica XM 2040 is just what you need. Contact me if you need more info.

[roffe]

First, a happy new year to everyone!

Thanx for all suggestions so far. I should have been more specific at one point, I think, and that was that I want to build everything into rather small speaker boxes (HxWxD = 40x20x24cm at the smallest).

Even so, a lot of the links were new to me, and if I fail to find an all-in-one plate solution, I now have a wider selection, thanx to you. I am still a bit reluctant about putting together modules for myself. One of the reasons for not going for passive X-overs is the slow progress when you have to solder parts for each little modification of the X-over.

I still welcome more suggestions, especially for all-in-one plate amps that doesn't cost too much (yes, price does matter).

The amps from Solen looks nice, but they do require speaker drivers with at pretty flat freq.response do begin with. I see there are products out there with more sophisticated features, like EQ and delay for a flatter and more phase coherent response.

I will keep looking a bit more. Whatever choice I make, I'll post it here.

[roffe]

Originally posted by Daytona50
The combo if ICE amplifier Modules and the excellent Xilica XM 2040 is just what you need. Contact me if you need more info.

As far as i know, ICEpower modules are not available for DIYers. But there are excellent alternatives for power modules, both in the links above and from Hypex.

Can you tell me a bit more about the Xilica XM 2040 (what is it)?

[roffe]

Originally posted by pk
Hello Roffe,

I use the amps and digital crossovers from GroundSound. You will find them here:

www.groundsound.com

The amps sound good and the digital crossover is VERY user friendly:-).

The company is located in Denmark, so it's not too far away from you!

Best regards
Peter

Looks like very interesting products. The Coolback II 600 looks like what I need EXCEPT that it is too long. 60cm is simply too much for the speakers I have planned. Is that the only plate amp they are making? I guess class AB and that huge power supply takes up a lot of space.

My initial thoughts is a class AB module of about 50W or so for the treble and a class D module around 200W for the mid/bass-element(s), supplied by a space consuming switch mode PS. Something like that shouldn't take up too much space.