External crossovers - whats the deal?

Discussion in 'Hi-Fi and General Audio' started by penance, Aug 10, 2004.

  1. penance

    penance Arrogant Cock

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    Are external crossovers worth it?
    I can see the argument for isolation from the internal vibrations of a speaker cab, but what else?
    I can also see a few more conections in circuit, so this should detract?

    Am i right the with external crossovers the speaker cable goes from amp to crossover then from there to the speaker?

    With that in mind, is it realy worthwhile?
     
    penance, Aug 10, 2004
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  2. penance

    themadhippy seen it done it smokin it

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    yes,it allows to play around with components without having to take the cabinet apart
     
    themadhippy, Aug 10, 2004
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  3. penance

    penance Arrogant Cock

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    So not much else?
     
    penance, Aug 10, 2004
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  4. penance

    Tenson Moderator

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    I suppose it means you could get rid of them and move to active crossovers?
     
    Tenson, Aug 10, 2004
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  5. penance

    bottleneck talks a load of rubbish

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    would there be an advantage in having the electronics of the crossover closer to the amp? - in a shorter signal path kind of way?
     
    bottleneck, Aug 11, 2004
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  6. penance

    penance Arrogant Cock

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    not sure Chris.
    you would still have the same run in total.
     
    penance, Aug 11, 2004
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  7. penance

    GTM Resistance IS Futile !

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    Theoretically speaking at least the advantages are:


    a) Reduced component vibration. Capacitors are microphonic.

    b) Removal from magenetic/electrical fields being generated by the drive units.
    The perormance of both capacitors and inductors is affected by being introduced to external electrical/magnetic fields.


    Of course how relevant these factors are depends entirely on the use of components and quality of the crossover build and its location within the speaker.

    For a cross over that has been treated with potting compound and is mounted on the bottom/rear panel of a floor standing speaker using rubber grommets of some form I would say the gains would be minimal/non-existant.

    I think external crossovers really came about from the design process for speakers, where manufacturers and DIYers will keep the cross over external until they've finished developing it.


    GTM
     
    GTM, Aug 11, 2004
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