Deqx with passive crossover

[Gwho]

I would appreciate anyone with specific knowledge of using a DEQx speaker crossover/correction with a speaker with a passive crossover. I have an older 3-way speaker about 25 years old (Leedh Nazca) that can be tri-amped (it has three separate inputs on the speaker for tweeter, mid, and woofer). I was wondering if there would be any benefit using a DEQx to correct each individual speaker with the passive crossover in place? If so, how would you implement the crossover frequencies in the DEQx since the passive crossovers are in play with each speaker or would you just use it in a room correction mode.

I realize I could recap the existing crossover or could remove the crossover and drive each speaker individually without the crossover. I would like to see if anyone tried this and if they thought it was beneficial.

Regards,
gwho

 

[BesPav]

I was wondering if there would be any benefit using a DEQx to correct each individual speaker with the passive crossover in place?

Yes. You can further increase slope of the intrinsic crossover and narrow the freq band of different speakers interact.

If so, how would you implement the crossover frequencies in the DEQx since the passive crossovers are in play with each speaker or would you just use it in a room correction mode.

Anyway you need a measurement setup with mic snd audiocard enforced with proper knowledge in wave theory, beamforming, diffraction and etc. If you feel that call of your soul - it would be better to start with any of LspCAD tutorial.

 

[Audiobear]

I may be completely misunderstanding the intent here but back when I had a Deqx it had a pre-amp output. The crossover in the speakers expects an amplifier level output. Adding the Deqx output to each driver isn't going to add much. I suspect the Deqx won't like the low impedance of the speaker drivers either. I don't understand how you are planning to wire this up. Please explain. I'm no EE so I may be missing the obvious but it seems to me like you need 3 extra amps per speaker to make any difference at which point I'd just dump th existing x-over and run a Deqx system. My experience with Deqx was very positive and I probably never should have sold the unit.

 

[Gwho]

Thanks for the information and advise.

Regards
Gary

 

[Gwho]

My speakers have the ability to be tri amped. Sorry for the confusion. I would not be hooking the deqx directly to the speaker. The passive xover for each speaker would still be in place.

Regards
gwho

 

[Leedh Bo]

Hi Gwho

Your Leedh Nazca is a marvelous speaker made by one of worlds best speaker
designer Gilles Milot, why would you think the problems you have lies in its
construction that needs tweaking?
I also have the Nazcas and I have had only one problem with them that is worth to be examined, read the link below (the last (my) comment in english). Maybe it solves most of your problems, for me it did.
Otherwise, I believe it is only has to do with assosiated equipment or placement, not the speakers.

Une vie d'audiophile avec ses bugs, ses periples !: Leedh Nazca, ca sent le gaz !

and,

6moons audioreviews: Leedh E2 Glass

Rgds,
Bo

 

[Gwho]

Bo,

Thanks for telling me about reversing the phase on the tweeters. I may try that in the future. The Nazca is virtually unknown in the US. I did find one person who had a pair. His had a wood veneer finish while mine are the gloss black speakers which I think look great.

The reason why I even started the thread in diyaudio was because I could not get the speakers to sound as good as when the original owner auditioned them for me. I eventually figured out that it was an equipment issue. At the time, I was not familiar with Devialet equipment. The previous owner had a Devialet system and was upgrading his speakers. Moreover, he was using SAM on the Devialet to correct the Nazca speakers which I did not know about. I am not sure if it was the system or the applied correction but it made the Nazca's sound great. Although I have decent equipment it did not sound as good as what I heard that day.

An interesting fact about the speakers I purchased from the original owner. He bought them from the designer (Gilles) who was showing the Nazca at several US shows when it was being introduced. The original owner told me he saw them at the Consumer Electronics show in the US. He bought them from Gilles so he did not have to ship the Nazca back to France. The serial no. on the speakers is 001. The original owner also sent the tweeters to France for the kit that allows you to reinflate the tweeters.

Thank you for the help.
Regards,
Gary

 

[AllenB]

I would leave the passive crossovers in place.. Sure you could copy them, or you could start from scratch.. If you have to ask the question then better to start with the passive as it is then EQ.

If you can't find the sound you want by EQing then the speakers/room need work.

 

[Gwho]

Allen,

This is an old thread. I agree with you and have kept the passive crossover in place and have been enjoying the speakers.

Regard,
Gary

 

[Leedh Bo]

Bo,

Thanks for telling me about reversing the phase on the tweeters. I may try that in the future.....

Hi Gwho,
and thank you for your reply. Okey, so if the owner before you got the speakers out of Gilles Milots hands they should and would not have had the problems that I had with mine. As demo ex:s for the American market they must have been checked inside out in the lab before shipping them overseas I believe. Anyhow it may be interesting for you to hear what happens if one reverse the phase of the tweeters. I also believe, even if the Devialets correcting system SAM seems cool, it must be almost impossible to correct for acoustical phase anomalities between drivers. Strange things must be happening then is my beliefs. These problems must be solved in the developing of the speaker, not afterwards. The Nazca speakers are totally capable to sound extremely well without tampering the signal.
I think m. Milot was kind to the Devialet people letting they believe they could manage everything. "You cant belive everything you hear and see, caaan you?"*
If you have questions about the Hd3p deflating problems I may have some suggestions.
Rgds,
Bo

* Jimmi Hendrix phrase (on axis bold as love😉