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?
Not sure why you would use a Y connector in your set-up? At a minimum an electronic crossover will have 2 inputs and 4 outputs. Every powered sub that I have seen have both a left and a right input. You would connect your preamp outputs to the crossover inputs, then 2 of the crossover outputs to the sub inputs and the other 2 crossovers outputs to your main amps. This will give you a little more overall output SPL, but the 80Hz crossover point may still be too low to get the SPL you want. |
@dcaudio ...Simple, this: more than you'll ever need even later Source noted offers free shipping on some items, turn-around is quick, they are helpful, the warranty gets extended....yes, the learning curve is steep as noted in one review.... Enjoy whichever you choose, J |
JL Audio CR-1. Very adjustable. Takes the low freq. load off your speakers and amp depending on where you cross it over at. Had mine for several years now and won't go back. Several audio friends have got themselves one after hearing how mine works and they got a chance to play around with the settings on it. Kinda pricey but if you can pick up one used (as I did) you'll be very happy. Easy to adjust and try different settings! Good listening to whatever you decide to pick up. |
The great thing about a unit like the Behringer mentioned above: it is an inexpensive way to test the concept with your system. And even if you later want to focus in on just what features you want in a less electronic device, you can resell the Behringer. Most folks I know either go with the SPL also mentioned above or with MiniDSP, which can give you Dirac at the same time. Related to the Sublime... so you must pick frequencies in advance... here are kits for DIY: Collections – Xkitz Electronics From the inventor of the RiPol subwoofer: Ridtahler: Produkte I have a crossover to split surround sound left and right into midrange and tweeter built into a multiplexer from Ralph Stens. He also has both a kit, or he will build for you, a separate crossover: Active Crossover AFW1 - RStAudio.de Like I said, recommend getting something easy to test with and to resell first, and then pick what you really want at what level of sophistication / electronics. |
"If you were just looking to add more deep bass to you system, then go with something like what REL offers that lets your existing loudspeaker run full range." I agree , I run my Studio Electric M4 full range with my REL's crossover set low and it integrates perfectly. If i were to go with an external X over it would be one of high quality so as not to mess up the high pass to the main speaker. If you like to crank it up and have small mains it's probably not a bad idea to implement a crossover but I would spend some $$$ on a JL, Marchand or SPL . You want one where you can adj the high pass and low pass freq and slope. |
