2. speakers
  3. 1113252618

First Order Crossovers: Pros and Cons

I wonder if some folks might share their expertise on the question of crossover design. I'm coming around to the view that this is perhaps the most significant element of speaker design yet I really know very little about it and don't really understand the basic principles. Several of the speakers I have heard in my quest for full range floorstanders are "first order" designs. I have really enjoyed their sound but do not know if this is attributable primarily to the crossover design or to a combination of other factors as well. In addition, I have heard that, for example, because of the use of this crossover configuration on the Vandersteen 5 one has to sit at least 10 feet away from the speakers in order for the drivers to properly mesh. Is this really true and if so why? Another brand also in contention is the Fried Studio 7 which also uses a first order design. Same issue? Could someone share in laymans terms the basic principles of crossover design and indicate the advantages and disadvantages of each. Also, what designers are making intelligent choices in trying to work around the problems associated with crossover design? Thanks for your input.
dodgealum

Showing 2 responses by dseid

dseid's avatar
dseid
48 posts
 
"I have only listened to Vandersteens (of the 1st order designs) and the difference in sound from sitting in the time coherence zone to standing up is quite alarming. There is something special going on in the sweet spot, but the Vandersteens sound flat when I stand up – treble drops right off"

Applejelly - what model Vandersteens did you listen to and were they properly set up. I did not experience anything "alarming" at all when I demoed the 3A Sigs at two different dealers here in Los Aangeles, nor did the "sound flat" when I stood up.

I bought the 3A Sigs and after my dealer delivered them and properly set them up, I'm not experiencing these issues at home either. Although I listen in the "sweet spot" alot, I've had many friends over for listening, many standing in the kitchen area behind the sweet spot, me standing in this area as well and they marvel at the sound they hear.

How far back were you seated and then standing where you heard this effect?
dseid's avatar
dseid
48 posts
 
"This is not indigenous to "being a first-order speaker", but only "that particular first-order speaker" you auditioned"

Roy - your response was an great read, and like everyone commend you on how valuable it is to have you particiapate here.

In Applejelly's comments however, without knowing what model speaker, where he listened, and if the speakers were properly set-up, is your comment above still correct? I've heard several Vandersteen demo's were set up was optimal (including what I think is my room), and I do not hear this. There is/was not a "dramatic loss of highs" upon standing. Sure there is less depth to the image when standing, but isn't that true with every speaker?
More to discover