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Active crossovers

There's an abundance of info and opinions on just about every topic under the sun in audio, down to the smallest minutiae.

I have problem finding opinions on active crossovers and which sound good, or not. Or which offer good bang for the bucks. Or whether tubed crossovers are better than SS.

So what's the skinny on this?

Oh, and I'd like to ad a Stupid Crossover Question of my own:
The XO will match the levels of the low/high amps, but each amp will have a different sensitivity. Would you have to match the amp levels each time you change the volume?

KP
killerpiglet
rives
953 posts
 
The Marchand is quite good. Some have indicated it's better sounding than the Bryston, but I have to admit I have never done a direct comparison. I think it's fair to say that $ for $ it's probably the best out there. If your budget allows for more, then it's difficult to tell which unit is best. As to the Krell, they did have some 60 Hz noise problems at one time. Perhaps that has been fixed, but if I'm not mistaken they quit making the KBX some time ago and getting the boards for the various cross-over points might be difficult. You should look into this carefully before going that route for sure.
unsound
6,115 posts
 
Pardon my ignorance. I'm not even sure if this is the proper thread for my question, as it's not related to specific active cross-overs. Some speaker maufacurers compensate for time (distance), phase and even impedance via thier cross-over designs. I would guess that using mulitiple amps would negate the impedance issues but how about time and phase?
killerpiglet OP
373 posts
 
here's a curve ball:

Any thoughs on using the Innersound bass amp from the new Eros?
Roger told me he can change th xo point to anything I want.

It also includes a remote volume control; 600 wpc.

KP
chazzbo
1,006 posts
 
Anybody know how crossover-less Gallo Ref's would factopr into eqauation.They have no X-over persay on a supplied Cap that can be inserted between Bi-wire posts.
drrdiamond
671 posts
 
If you can buy the Krell KBX for $1500 ... BUY IT!
The Krell lists for about $4K. It works either balanced or SE. It costs only $200 for Krell to make you a custom board for your speakers. If you change speakers Krell can make you a new board, making it immune from being obsolete.
E-mail Krell and ask for specs. (SLeckrone@Krellonline.com)
Tell Steve Leckrone that I suggested you contact him. He has been a great help for me.
Actively biamping my system is the single biggest improvement that I ever made.
Also, I was just at the Krell factory and they do still make the KBX, but since it is a low volume unit, they are not advertising any more. Getting boards should never be a problem.
Richard Diamond
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