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Why do crossovers do more harm than good???

Think I got down why unless it's an expensive parametric EQ that basic tone controls or none at all are better than graphic EQ but was thinking that if bi-amping latterally is supposed to be better than not bi-amping why don't more manufacturers make active crossovers and let's incorporate them into their pre-amps?As opposed to letting both amps handle full frequency spectrum?I have a set of bi-amp/biwire Gallos and was thinking of adding a sub.Why would a unit like a Bryston or other manufaturer improve the sonics more signal path and wirring nonwithstanding?If I did want to explore this option any other good manfacturers to consider?
Chazzbo
chazzbo
6 responses Add your response
lugnut
1,190 posts
 
You may wish to read about active crossovers at www.crossovers.com. They have a great explanation about the benefits. It's my understanding that active crossovers need to be designed for a specific speaker and, as such, are better suited to either be in a stand alone box, inside the amplifiers or with amplifiers inside the speaker cabinet. I certainly wish I knew more. Good luck and...
Happy Listening,
Patrick
chazzbo OP
1,007 posts
 
Patrick
Didn't notice there was a simmilar thread posted just recently.Guess my differentiation with others is that my Gallo Ref's have a capacitor hooked between bi-wire posts as opposed to crossovers per say.Then I have leads hooked to lower "baseballs" but again according to manaual no crossover is present or needed.Maybe a call to Gallo is in order.
rwwear
2,867 posts
 
In my experience, most electronic crossovers add grain and distortion to the mids and highs. If your satelites have their own low frequency protection or can play at reasonably
high sound levels, then you should only use the crossover on the sub for best fidelity.
neubilder
129 posts
 
Chazzbo, check out Linn - the 'aktiv' crossovers get tucked neatly into the amplifiers.
neubilder
129 posts
 
Rwwear, I'm curious about your comments. I have a Linn active system and have read a lot about other active systems by Meridian, Naim and a few others. I have never heard of active crossovers adding distortion - by contrast I thought it was much easier, cleaner, more efficient, and ultimately more effective to manage signals at line level vs. full output(speaker level). Are you referring to a poorly implemented self designed active system or one that has been properly engineered?

Brian.
rwwear
2,867 posts
 
Neubilder, I wasn't refering to systems like yours that are completely active and designed from the ground up by the manufacturer. I'm talking about adding a sub to speakers with passive crossovers and using the Hi pass filter in the sub which is usually grainy sounding. I prefer to run my speakers full range and just use the low pass filter for the sub.
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