how important is it to use crossovers when adding subwoofers to a system?


the argument as i understand it is that adding any additional electronics to a system will have a negative impact on  sound quality.  the counter is that by relieving a speaker of the "heavy lifting" of bass response, you allow it to sing to it's full potential.  thoughts?  i have wilson sasha 2's and a pair of JL fathom 113's.  no crossovers.  driven by CJ art mono blocks.  thanks!
espilka

Showing 1 response by millercarbon

One of the main ways a sub improves bass response is by adding additional bass locations. This is the foundation on which a distributed bass array is built. The best solution to the problem of getting really good deep articulate bass in a room. In essence, the more subs the better. If the two main speakers are used full range they continue to serve as additional bass sources. So whatever is in theory gained by using a crossover is lost by losing the two extra sources of bass.

Running subs additional without crossover entirely avoids putting another component in the signal path. Running without crossover retains the original pair as bass sources. Its totally the way to go.