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Crossover for 1.7's

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Posted on October 18, 2020 at 17:59:18
Radiohead
Audiophile

Posts: 15
Location: Ontario
Joined: January 18, 2020
All,

Looking for your thoughts on an inexpensive (at least by audiophile standards) crossover to roll off the lows going into the Maggie 1.7's and leave the bass to the SVS 3000 subwoofer.

Considering two options:
1 DBX 223 2way cross over - can pick up a used one for about $200 (Can$).
2 DBX 215S 15 band Stereo EQ - Can pick up used for about $150 (Can $)

I am using a Schitt Freya+ Preamp into a Parasound 21+ powering the Maggies. Thinking I will use the XLR out of the Freya into the DBX to roll off anything lower than about 60hz and use the unbalanced out of the Freya+ into the SVS Sub.

Anyone have any direct experience with this and using similar products? I do not want to spend crazy money but also do not want to pollute the Low-Mid to upper frequencies with cheap gear.

Any thoughts or comments would be appreciated.

Rick

 

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RE: Crossover for 1.7's, posted on November 7, 2020 at 17:01:12
Radiohead
Audiophile

Posts: 15
Location: Ontario
Joined: January 18, 2020
Thanks for the reply,

I picked up a used DBX233 Crossover a few weeks ago. Seems like the perfect unit for the application. Has Balanced XLR's in and out, adjustable crossover frequency range from 45-960Hz with Gain adjustments. It uses -24db slopes and Linkwitz-Riley filters. Because of the length's of the cable runs I prefer balanced cables from the Schiit Freya+ to the Parasound 21+ power amp.

The subwoofer I am using does not support balanced inputs so I picked up a cheaper cable on Amazon - XLR to RCA. I set the subwoofer, SVS SB3000 to LFR. I read that using the Subwoofer Amp DSP adds a small amount of delay so I thought it best to bypass as much as possible. The SB3000 is a sealed unit, 13inch driver with 800watt class D amp.

I am currently working through setting the crossover frequency I am most comfortable with given the room, my subwoofer and placement. I am testing crossover settings between 70 to 45 Hz. The SVS phone app is great allowing me to fine adjust the volume of the sub from the seating position.

I am thinking that I will get a second SB3000 for the other channel soon. I was very concerned that the SVS would not be "fast enough" to keep up with the 1.7's and was considering a set of REL T9i's. After lots of research including listening to the REL's at a local store, I decided against making the switch.

My concern with the DBX unit was based in the fact that it is designed for stage or PA use and not an "Audiophile" unit. Had I learned of the inline filter before getting the DBX I would have tried them for sure. May still.

Thanks for you feedback and I am certainly open to any other comments or suggestions.

Rick

 

RE: ... including listening to the RELs at a local store, I decided against making the switch ..., posted on November 10, 2020 at 00:20:32
andyr
Manufacturer

Posts: 12548
Location: Melbourne
Joined: September 2, 2000
Wise move - IMO the SVSs will deliver a better sound.

Just be aware that while the DBX will enable you to decide which is the best frequency for your 1.7s to hand over to the subs ... it does degrade the sound slightly (as you say, it's a 'pro' unit). But I understand there are people who can upgrade them to "hifi" quality.

Also ... you said you are trying XO frequencies of between 45Hz and 70Hz. (24dB L-R HP & LP.) Can I suggest the frequency should be set towards the higher end of this range - since the 1.7s are probably already a few dB down at 45Hz.

My sub/bass panel XO frequency (also 24dB L-R HP & LP) is currently set to 80Hz. I started with 100Hz and may go lower than 80Hz.

Andy

 

RE: Just make sure you buy ..., posted on November 3, 2020 at 14:21:01
andyr
Manufacturer

Posts: 12548
Location: Melbourne
Joined: September 2, 2000
"high pass" FMODs for the input RCAs on your amp (which drives the 1.7s).

These FMODs probably deliver only a very shallow slope so choose a roll-off frequency of, say, 70Hz ... and set your SVS roll-off (which I suspect has a steep slope) to, say, 50Hz.

Andy

 

RE: Crossover for 1.7's, posted on November 2, 2020 at 11:50:27
ABliss
Audiophile

Posts: 1476
Joined: March 16, 2001
Contributor
  Since:
August 3, 2002
Just get a pair of Harrison Labs FMODS, they come in different frequencies, just put them in one of the unbalanced outputs going to your main amp, and use the other outputs straight to the sub.
I use them and they are totally transparent. Simple and cheap, one less black box and cables.

 

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