Please Suggest An Electronic Crossover


Speakers:  Infinity Kappa 9

Preamp:   Audio Research Reference 3

I’m looking to find an external crossover to add to my system.  Preferably a pre-owned unit…will consider new unit.

Would like to limit to $1k…but will go to 2k for the right unit.


128x128mitch4t

Showing 5 responses by erik_squires

Well truthfully, those old Infinity crossovers sucked due to how they were optimized.  They were optimized for frequency but not impedance I suspect in large part due to the tools available at the time.  Very demanding for amplifiers but they don't need to be.

They don't need upgraded parts.  They usually need a complete re-think. I know this is anathema, but this is a case where a good modern crossover builder with better tools can come up, and they have, with much better circuits, but to do this you need to know how to analyze a speaker.  Most arm chair speaker hobbyists don't and it's a long learning curve. 

If the problem is in the bass, my suggestion to use a hybrid set up can resolve your issues without adding too many phase/impedance/slope matching problems which all crossovers ( line level or speaker level) have. 

Maybe look online to see if you can find a person selling new crossovers with better impedance characteristics is also a good option for the Infinities.
PS:  Please don't just pick crappy crossover settings and try to fix everything with global EQ. 
Last bit of advice

A simple compromise, and one I encourage, is to start by making a hybrid.  Use a high level crossover to separate the bass from the rest of the drivers.

You'll need to bypasss the relevant high and low pass filter sections, but leaving the rest in place.

Best

E
Hey Mitch,

That's a good plan, but those crossovers are complicated.  They do more than simple low pass/high pass slopes but include impedance and frequency equalization.

You'll want a miniDSP for this. You'll also want to understand how the original crossovers worked though and I encourage you to learn to do a complete speaker analysis before attempting this. This isn't something you can do by ear so you'll need to have a measurement kit.

DIYaudio is a good place to go for help, far better than audiogon. If you go with Room EQ Wizard those forums are also going to be helpful.

Best,

Erik
What is your application?  Are you going to add a sub, or are you converting to an active speaker?