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Re: active vs passive crossovers;

192.92.126.135

Posted by Franco on June 19, 2001 at 21:29:57

In Reply to: active vs passive crossovers I feel the credit card coming out posted by TomWh on June 19, 2001 at 15:08:48:

Hi,
Let me make some order in the matter:
1) Using an active crossover means multi-amping, without multi-amplification active crossover is a non sense.
2) Bi-amping is the best choice in respect to more complicate configurations taking most of the benefits of the active crossover without any danger for tweeter and midrange coils (several articles treat this matter in audioasylum).
3) After the installation of the active crossover and the modification of the passive crossover (midrange section become a low pass, tweeter section remain the same) the audible effect is:
a) An increase of the bass output in way of the direct connection of the woofer to the amplifier (low section) output; the losses in the low pass crossover section are reduced to zero because no longer exist this section!
b) The bass are more controlled and natural because the damping factor of the amplifier is fully applied to the driver without the series impedance normally due to the crossover.
c) If you where not bi-wired before, now you are! and this give a big benefit on mid-treble range that become cleaner, sweeter and with an obvious reduction of the intermodulation distortion.
4) Marchand XM9 de luxe is really a very good product (I personally own one with great satisfaction since several years).
5) The level controls are provided for the fine adjustment of hi / low amplifier section in the case they have different input sensitivity, if you are concerned about sound quality you can put fixed resistors in place after initial level set up.
The damping knob may be used to check the effect around the crossover point and then replaced by fixed resistor.
In my system all knobs are exactly at 50% of their value for the maximum flatness that is also my best listening condition, I left the pots in place.
6) Use active croossover preferably on three way systems with low / hi pass frequency around 250 to 80 Hz depending on your loudpeakers system, you will obtain the maximum of benefits by this technique.
About the credit card, an hi end crossover built without compromises may cost well above an active crossover like Marchand, obviously the second amplifier and cables become more expensive than usual systems, but what great improvement!

Regards.

Franco

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