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External crossovers for subs

This might be a stupid question but I'm asking anyway.  I have two subs connected via Speakon connectors so they get fed the same signal as my stand mounts.  I think I've gotten the subs and mains integrated very well (at least for my tastes).  I've read here, on several occasions, that sub integration cannot be done properly without an external crossover to take send only the appropriate frequencies to the mains and to the subs.  So, what is the difference between an external crossover filtering out frequencies and the internal crossover of the speaker filtering out low frequencies that the speaker cannot play?  Can't an internal speaker crossover be built to filter out frequencies below the threshold of that which is suitable for the speaker design?  Isn't that what crossovers do within the speaker by sending high frequency signals to the tweeter and low frequencies to the woofer?  Why would it not be able to filter out frequencies beyond the capability of the woofer?

jastralfu

Showing 2 responses by james633

james633
1,051 posts
 

Whether you filter the speakers low frequency with and internal or external crossover. It is more or less the same results assuming all things are done correctly. But for proper integration you either have to high pass the mains or low pass the subs under the main.

you can add a capacitor in line with the mains inputs. Harrison makes some cheap one you could try ($30, they sound transparent). I have used them and it works fine. It is more messing around than using an active crossover.

I have tried all the methods. Blending with no highpass with a low low pass, using capacitors to roll off the mains, an active digital solution and ended up using an active analogue solution. The integration can be fine without it but it is very doubtful it will be as good as an active system.

A couple worth trying IMO.

Sublime Acoustics K235 is a $1200 analogue solution. It has a 60 day trial period. They also have a $600 model that is about the same.

Minidsp SHD is another one that is super flexible digital option. It requires a bit of computer skills.

james633
1,051 posts
 
  • Jastraflu,

The subs internal is just a low pass. To better integrate and take full advantage of the sub a highpass is added to the speaker. The active crossovers are doing both highpass and low pass.

I have messed around with just using a low pass, thought it was pretty good then added a highpass and it was instantly better, not a little better but drastically better.

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