Outboard crossover? Why not?

I thought Ukraine was a lot of fun, certainly looks like that from across the ocean. A number of interesting cross-overs over there.

Early Meadowlark Audio models had the crossover located outside the speaker proper. You can remove a little panel under the speaker and get to the xover if you want to mod it. 

Here is an example of an internal crossover being turned external, check out the pic with the coffee cup and caps. You'll see what I mean when I say enormous caps.

 
http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue70/duelund.htm

Best,


Erik

Here is a photo of Naim SBL x-over, original (L) and with upgraded parts (R):
http://square-2.com/wp-content/uploads/xover_Naim_Audio42.jpg
now, the same original (R) with more serious upgrade (L):
http://square-2.com/wp-content/uploads/xover_Naim_Audio42_2.jpg
and my final choice, an external x-over for both SBLs:
http://square-2.com/wp-content/uploads/crossover3.jpg
http://square-2.com/wp-content/uploads/crossover3b.jpg
Built for me by Steven Foote of Audio-42
Nothing can beat electronic crossover: NAXO2-4 with Hi-Cap but for now this is what I am listening to. Naxo/HiCap kept in safe storage.

Active vs. passive is not as easy as saying one is better. There's always trade offs.

Passive crossovers have no power supply noise to add, and no new op amps or transistors to put in series with your high end gear.

DSP solutions require more DAC channels.

So, I personally feel I can beat a lot of active crossovers with a passive.  Not always though. :)

Erik