Optimum crossover frequency?

[OllBoll]

Originally Posted by PeteMcK

re: "Isn't exactly the opposite what you should be doing since the crossover points are mostly determined by the limitations of the chosen drivers? " - if the crossover is implemented properly, it doesn't matter where the xover freq is, anything else is mere shadow chasing

Yes, if and only if the driver can play that low / high. Say for example you have a two-way with an 6.5 inch driver and a dome tweeter and you aim for the standard wide dispersion design. In that case you need to cross at ~ 1600-2400 since the 6.5 inch drivers dispersion drops at this point.

The idea that the crossover points is independent from the drivers would be true, however, if we had ideal drivers with good dispersion over the whole frequency range but then why not use that driver full range and skip the crossover?

[puppet]

I think what Pete is saying is that if the drivers dictate a range of "x" hz to "x" hz to perform their best (all things/compromises considered) then just put it there.

"Properly implemented" ... you won't be able to tell where it is exactly.

[AllenB]

Originally Posted by wintermute

if it is implemented properly it shouldn't matter

There is arguably a degree of truth to this. An exception would be where the system design dictates a certain crossover point, eg: where it is based on a frequency dependent acoustic behaviour of the drivers.

Originally Posted by puppet

"Properly implemented" ... you won't be able to tell where it is exactly.

Much can be found in the polars.

[puppet]

Originally Posted by AllenB

Much can be found in the polars.

True ... but I was referring to beer in hand listening.

[tvrgeek]

Originally Posted by PeteMcK

re: "Isn't exactly the opposite what you should be doing since the crossover points are mostly determined by the limitations of the chosen drivers? " - if the crossover is implemented properly, it doesn't matter where the xover freq is, anything else is mere shadow chasing

Well, there is a large camp that suggests the crossovers in the critical audible range of voice, 2K to 4K, is not as pleasant sounding as if the crossovers, provided drivers within their limitations, out of that range would be. I have built speakers with crossovers right smack in the middle and they are very good. Would they be better with a midrange? Only another build will tell.