Which caps for crossover - studio monitors?

[hugo stiglitz]

Hey Chaps,

I am going to build my own studio monitors based on this kit:
WA TL12

However I will be using ATC mid-domes (SM75-150-16) and ScanSpeak Beryllium tweeters (D3004/6640).
Crossovers will be modified for that purpose.

Since I am planning to upgrade the provided crossovers with high grade parts, I am wondering what do you suggest?

Given I will be using those speakers as studio reference monitors I am after a neutral sound.. not a artificially cold and clean but just musically neutral.. if that makes any sense?
I am not after a fat, bloomy hi-fi sound. Just wanna hear the music exactly like its recorded.
There's to much to choose: Mundorf, Jantzen,Solen, Audyn, Vcap..etc.

Whats your suggestion for a detailed, clean, not hyped sound?

thanks

 

[colmo]

I would use Jantzen Gold or Silver if you can afford them

 

[HorvathS]

Do you have the crossover schematic yet?
What is your budget?

---> Jatzen wax-foil for the coils (series, 1mm Jantzen for parallel)
and Jantzen Superior-Z or Mundorf MCap Supreme for series capacitors.
Parallel capacitors Clarity ESA is enough.

If you have infinite budget, go for Duelund
Read this:
Humble Homemade Hifi - Cap Test

Regards,
Sandor

 

[hugo stiglitz]

I don't have the crossovers schematics yet. But I think they will me 24dB/oct XO.

Thanks for the link.. interesting test

 

[kaputt]

Low DCR cored inductor(s) in the low pass filter for 12" woofer, polypropylene capacitors.

 

[qQxSzbwqYW]

Torrobar

HS cap

PP cap

 

[hugo stiglitz]

Okay, thanks.. seems like Jantzen is the way to go .. ATC uses Clarity Caps in their speakers I found out

 

[wolf_teeth]

I would recommend that you try the ASC X386 or X387 oil filled polypropylene on your midranges as these are spacious and smooth. These could also be used on your tweeters if the value is large enough. On your tweeters, I would recommend something in the same vein. The Jantzen Z-Silver or Z-Superior are nice, but I think maybe the MultiCap RTX or PPMFX or even Jupiter Wax caps might be more to your liking.

Later,
Wolf

 

[kaputt]

Do you have a crossover schematic? I've been very happy changing the resistor L-pad to attenuate the tweeter in my speakers for autoformers.

 

[hugo stiglitz]

schematics will be very similar to this:



the tweeter will be somewhat different tho as I will be using Scan Speak Beryllium D3004/6640

 

[Bill poster]

Guessing the original x/o will be next to useless if replacing 2 drivers. Blank sheet of paper, so to speak.

 

[kaputt]

Ok. Different tweeter calls for a different filter.
C1 and C4 will have to be bipolar electrolytics unless size is no issue. Something like the Wima DCP4 series might be the ticket if you want to avoid electrolytics.

 

[kaputt]

Guessing the original x/o will be next to useless if replacing 2 drivers. Blank sheet of paper, so to speak.

Or get a miniDSP, go active and live happily ever after.

 

[hugo stiglitz]

Or get a miniDSP, go active and live happily ever after.

I considered that already but decided against it for several reasons:

- want to avoid extra conversion since this will make my 6k€ Meitner DAC pointless

- digital crossovers have a certain resolution according to its samplerate whereas a well designed passive-XO has an infinite high resolution

- a well designed passive/analog XO with well choosen parts, doesn't have to hide behind all these new DSP solutions

 

[kaputt]

- want to avoid extra conversion since this will make my 6k€ Meitner DAC pointless

Sell it to fund the active conversion and come out with a plus. Moneywise and probably in sound quality as well.

- digital crossovers have a certain resolution according to its samplerate whereas a well designed passive-XO has an infinite high resolution

A passive crossover has no sample rate but each part, and what you are about to build will have lots of parts, introduces certain losses and distortions. It's apples and oranges and going passive doesn't mean all issues are gone.

- a well designed passive/analog XO with well choosen parts, doesn't have to hide behind all these new DSP solutions

Why?

 

[hugo stiglitz]

Why?

because it is as good if not better than DSP solutions

I doubt any Hypex/miniDSP converter will be as good as a Meitner MA-1 Dac ..

 

[kaputt]

Ok. If it makes you happy. Prepare to get a measuring system and read through the threads about modelling crossovers to get a starting point needed for developing the crossover for your speaker. As it's been said the pictured one won't work with different drivers.

 

[hugo stiglitz]

No worries, meassureing equipment is available and even access to an Anechoic chamber ;-)
this will blow any DSP solution out of the water.. heard those Kii Three recently.. full of DSP.. terrible speakers

 

[fatmarley]

I'd be careful buying a speaker kit from Wilmslow Audio - KatieandDad had a bad experience - LINK

I bought some air-core Inductors from them that were way off spec, so sent them back...

 

[hugo stiglitz]

Yes, I know this thread.. one user reported bad experience, dozens others reported good ones..
I am aware that their delivered crossovers need upgrade to higher grade parts.. thats why I started this thread originally