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RE: Magnepan XOvers

I have journeyed from OEM upgraded components, active DSP, and PLLXO.

http://db.audioasylum.com/mhtml/m.html?forum=mug&n=171078
http://db.audioasylum.com/mhtml/m.html?forum=mug&n=184970
http://db.audioasylum.com/mhtml/m.html?forum=mug&n=196102

To characterize my various updates documented here on the MUG forum over the last 3 years I would list them as such:

STAGE I:
OEM XO to speaker level XO with updated components and biamping-> more power, a hint of better clarity and 3D

STAGE II:
speaker level XO with updated components and biamping to minidsp based ALLXO (active DSP based line level crossover)biamping -> significantly better clarity, 3D'ness, you are there feeling in the sound. Less compression, more power in complex music. Thump issues if not careful in power up/down sequence of system.

STAGE III:
minidsp based ALLXO biamping to PLLXO (DAVEY PLLXO with polystyrene caps)-> Very nice jump in quality of sound, especially in the highs and female vocals. Tightness of bass enhanced. Careful attention needed to grounding and shielding of cables to prevent HUM issues required.

STAGE IV:
PLLXO (DAVEY ver w/ polystyrene caps) to PLLXO (USSR FT-1 surplus teflon cap in tweeter circuit)-> again improvement in highs, "S" sounds, female vocals. Not as significant a jump as from initial ALLXO to PLLXO update, but brings in another refinement of quality to the sound. Still need to pay attention to HUM issues.

EDIT: One clarification, I based my DSP crossover comments on my use of the minidsp 2x4 unit which provides analog outputs and uses it's own DAC function. Since that time minidsp has come out with a DSP unit that has digital outputs so you can use your own DAC's for the final stages.



Edits: 04/15/15

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