So, about upgrading XOs...
Yes, if you are doing a part swap, then keep the original values. However! DCR in coils and ESR in caps must be maintained, especially in those devices which go to ground, often via a resistor. If you can’t measure that, but only know the uH or uF you are in danger of altering the design. Reducing the DCR or ESR of a part can significantly alter the sound and not for the better. These values are taken into account at design time.
You can’t substitute a generic crossover for a previous crossover. The electro-mechanical properties of the speaker and drivers function as a unit.
There are times when a speaker’s crossover justifies a complete rethink. I’ve seen this in some Focal and Genesis speakers where impedance drops really did justify a reworking here. I’ve also seen actual speaker designer Troels Gravesen post some really interesting write ups on vintage B&W and Yamaha speakers as well. Go take a look there if you want to know how actual speaker designers think about crossovers:
http://www.troelsgravesen.dk/Diy_Loudspeaker_Projects.htm
You should be well versed in speaker analysis and crossover design before you attempt this, and even then you must ask yourself, if I’m rethinking this crossover shouldn’t I just build new?
And then... well, if you are building new... lots of outstanding kits out there, not to mention speaker drivers waiting to be assembled into a dream setup.
As always, I encourage DIY and learning about speaker making. Please do so! Just don't assume things are simpler than they are. :)
Yes, if you are doing a part swap, then keep the original values. However! DCR in coils and ESR in caps must be maintained, especially in those devices which go to ground, often via a resistor. If you can’t measure that, but only know the uH or uF you are in danger of altering the design. Reducing the DCR or ESR of a part can significantly alter the sound and not for the better. These values are taken into account at design time.
You can’t substitute a generic crossover for a previous crossover. The electro-mechanical properties of the speaker and drivers function as a unit.
There are times when a speaker’s crossover justifies a complete rethink. I’ve seen this in some Focal and Genesis speakers where impedance drops really did justify a reworking here. I’ve also seen actual speaker designer Troels Gravesen post some really interesting write ups on vintage B&W and Yamaha speakers as well. Go take a look there if you want to know how actual speaker designers think about crossovers:
http://www.troelsgravesen.dk/Diy_Loudspeaker_Projects.htm
You should be well versed in speaker analysis and crossover design before you attempt this, and even then you must ask yourself, if I’m rethinking this crossover shouldn’t I just build new?
And then... well, if you are building new... lots of outstanding kits out there, not to mention speaker drivers waiting to be assembled into a dream setup.
As always, I encourage DIY and learning about speaker making. Please do so! Just don't assume things are simpler than they are. :)