Ok, so I had this idea from some time. Why to put crossover inside the speaker cabinet, while we can place it as close to the amplifier using the shortest connection available, and than run the signal for each driver separately, using separate cables for each.
I have mainly in mind 3 way speakers for separate 4-6mm cable for bass driver, but two ways could also benefit.
Are there any downsides of such solution, like power loss etc? Because I see only positive sides.
I have mainly in mind 3 way speakers for separate 4-6mm cable for bass driver, but two ways could also benefit.
Are there any downsides of such solution, like power loss etc? Because I see only positive sides.
B&W used this approach to crossover positioning in their silver signature model (2 ways).
I had them for a couple of years when they were in Stereophile class A components . Not particularly impressive imho . I returned to my beloved Quad 63
I had them for a couple of years when they were in Stereophile class A components . Not particularly impressive imho . I returned to my beloved Quad 63
You could especially if you plan on making voicing changes down the line. I would keep it close to the speaker. No reason too triple long wire runs between the amp and speakers.
Rob 🙂
Rob 🙂
I keep my crossover separate/outside the speaker box, mostly because I continue to enjoy testing small modifications to it.
The six wires running to the speaker are bundled together, with a single 8-pole Speakon connector used to attach to the speaker itself.
Every time I think about moving the crossover into the speaker itself, the urge hits to try one last tweak before I do so...and that convinces me to keep it external.
The six wires running to the speaker are bundled together, with a single 8-pole Speakon connector used to attach to the speaker itself.
Every time I think about moving the crossover into the speaker itself, the urge hits to try one last tweak before I do so...and that convinces me to keep it external.
Lifting two 72 lb speakers onto 2 m high poles is no longer my skill. Passive crossover outside cabinet, minus 3 lb. Tweeter & horn outside cabinet, minus 8 lb. I do like to move them to the yard for 4th of July, and employing pro movers that will actually show up on time is $300 each way.
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Fair enough -it saves 3lb in those conditions -although in fairness (speaking under correction!), it's probably not something most domestic speakers are expected to do.
One thing to consider is that when you relocate the cross-over the way you are describing (near the amp), the speaker cables now effectively become part of the circuit as a series impedance before and after each of the drivers. This may be problematic for certain low impedance drivers and would certainly need to be addressed in the crossover design.
I would argue that your assertion about it being somehow better to locate the crossovers as near the amp as possible is actually backwards. For most cases I believe that it would be better to locate the crossovers as close to the drivers as possible.
Note that I assume that we are talking about passive crossovers here.
-b
I would argue that your assertion about it being somehow better to locate the crossovers as near the amp as possible is actually backwards. For most cases I believe that it would be better to locate the crossovers as close to the drivers as possible.
Note that I assume that we are talking about passive crossovers here.
-b
Impedance? How does anything change electrically except the extra length of cable from your xo box to the speaker terminals?
