Speaker Asylum

Neither Jason.

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In Reply to: RE: 2 Way Crossover Question posted by Jason on March 20, 2008 at 14:46:12

Crossovers need to be designed with the acoustical and mechanical characteristics of the drivers (woofer, tweeter, mid range) taken into consideration. Crossover designers use sophisticated measurement techniques and elaborate computer programs to aid in their work. Off-the-shelf crossovers are usually designed using standard "cookbook" formulas and constant driver impedances as their basis. A ready-made crossover will be designed for 4 ohm or 8 ohm drivers, assuming constant impedance. But if you look at the impedance curve of a woofer or tweeter, you'll see it varies by several ohms above or below the "nominal" figure used by the crossover designer. In addition, drivers have different relative efficiences, with woofers almost always being less efficient than mids or tweeters. Unless the designer compensates with series resistors or "L" pads, there will be excess volume from the more efficient components, resulting in unbalanced sound from the system.
One option you could explore is the use of an external electronic crossover and has extensive user adjustments to integrate toe system drivers together. However, these can be somewhat expensive and usually require additional amplifiers. Depending on your budget and the quality of the woofer and tweeter you're using, the added expense and complexity may not be worth it.
Perhaps the best option would be to solicit advice on a suitable crossover design from the talented denizens at Parts Express. You'll need brand name and particular model of each component. The folks who post at that site are usually very helpful and generous with their time.

PE Tech Talk (Open in New Window)

Edits: 03/20/08

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