crossover power handling

[knox1138]

ok, so i'm pretty new to this diy loudspeaker stuff. i've done a few projects and none are up to the quality of what i desire yet. i'm trying to imitate EAW's LA325 loudspeaker in dB's and sound quality. i have tried a few box designs and drivers. my question is now with crossovers. what determines how many watts a crossover can handle? what's the math to it i'm missing? should i even be using a passive internal crossover or should i just suck it up and get an active crossover? thanks for any help, knox

[Eton]

What determines how many watts a crossover can handle depend on many factors. First, the drivers themselves. Second, crossover component rating. Third, The crossover order. Theoretically a first order will handle less than a forth order all things being perfectly equal. But a lousy designed forth order (wrong crossover point without taking driver distortion into account will do no good) forth crossover point. And that’s just the start.

[myhrrhleine]

what determines how many watts a crossover can handle? what's the math to it i'm missing?

Hi,

Crossover power handling is determined by the crossover components used.
For the coils, it'd be wire guage size.
You don't want the coils to overheat.
For the capacitors, there is a voltage rating which should not be exceeded. Also, they should allow the needed current to flow through them without overheating.
Some capacitors are limited in this regard.
Resistors should also not overheat. They are typically labelled for power.

Bottom line, overheating needs to be avoided.