Vandersteens-- Removing M5-HPs for a Digital Xover?


Hi. Quick survey of people that have removed the M5-HP when using a processor/preamp that can do the Xover internally and how much of a sonic difference there was. I guess there is just something comforting about having the physical Xover in-line when the manual (I have Quatros) talks of all the driver damage that will occur if they are used without a Xover. I just upgraded my pre/pro to a Theta Casablanca that can do it internally. I would assume that there would be some kind of difference due to eliminating the parts inside the M5 and the electric change of having dissimilar metals between my interconnects and the pigtails of the M5s. I know that hearing it is the only proof but wanted to see others’ opinions. Thanks.

jwseitz

Showing 4 responses by fiesta75

Why would you want to do that? Are they not bi-amp capable? How many separate amplifiers are you planning to use with them? If you're going to use an amplifier for each driver, lows, mids and high frequencies, 3 or more like I'm doing, well maybe. I'm multi-amping using an electronic crossover and nothing between the drivers and amplifiers but copper wire. Risky, but in my opinion worth the risk. Best wishes.

Johnny - I really doubt that any "charged capacitor" internal crossover networks can compare to an active crossover using multi-amps. Vandersteen has some of the best, but JBL started this 60 - 70 years ago. Unless you've tried eliminating passive crossover components between the amplifier outputs and the drivers (just plain copper wire) you will not know the improvements. All the best.

No disrespect intended. I'm just going by what my ears have told me over the years.