Electronic cross-over on pre-amp out, to split signal to subwoofer and bookshelf speakers


I have a 50 W amp for 86 dB bookshelf speakers.

I really want to keep both amp and speakers.

My idea is to have an electronic crossover on preamp out, split the signal say at 80 Hz - Send the lower electronic cross over out to a subwoofer.  Send the high crossover out to my existing 50 W power amps.

This would extend speaker frequency range to subwoofer capability - say 25 Hz, reduce the power amp load and allow to play the bookshelf speakers a bit louder,/ have more headroom.

I am sure others have already done.  What cross over did you use?  Was it successful?

dcaudio

I split my preamp output between an active low pass crossover to an integrated amp that feeds the main woofers and subwoofer (<63hz) , then to an inline high pass (10nF silver mica cap) to the main tube amps that feed the midbass/tweeter.  It has worked extremely well and has made the tube amps and midbass/tweeter modules sound notably clearer.  

The active crossover is just a cheap Pyle automotive unit fed by a wall wart.  It's fine below 80hz, but I didn't want it feeding my tube amps, which is why I opted for the inline filter using the silver mica caps for the high pass.  

https://photos.app.goo.gl/EdbW2F9jchcFrDFu8

I started using an electronic crossover about 8 years ago and am not inclined to go back. I have used Marchand, Accuphase, and Beveridge electronic crossovers. The latter 2 being vintage pieces. Depending on your budget there are a lot of options out there.

I use the SPL Crossover from Germany. It is an active crossover that allows the user to adjust the crossover point and slope to both the sub and the power amp. JL also makes an excellent active crossover.