Any one ever replace caps or modify there Xovers

I have been building and modifying speakers for about 20 years. One constant I have found is that most not all speaker manufacturers 'engineer' crossovers that are too complicated and use too many parts. This not only makes the speaker power hungry but dulls the sound as well. Listen to the woofer with no crossover connected and see if it doesnt sound better. With the midrange and tweeter u can probably get by with only 1 or at most 2 crossover components (an inductor and capacitor). Most of all, listen to each part substitution and see if it really makes a positive difference. I use Hovland and Mundorf speaker capacitors and Litz wire inductors when needed. If u match the drivers carefully enough u can get by with only 1 capacitor for the tweeter. The more u simplify the crossover, the better it will sound. If u are willing and able to take the drivers out of the cabinet and make changes to the crossover u will be able to tell for yourself if the modifications are worthwhile. I hope this helps. If u have any questions please email me back and I will try to answer your questions. Shay

NOTE: I didn't actually say to go ahead and DO the mod.
Parts ain't parts. Caps have a resistive and inductive component.
Inductors? Resistive and perhaps capacitive as well.
Point being?
Changing parts is perhaps a little MORE complex than just matching values and warming up the old iron.
For higher end speakers.......they are 'voiced' which means that, theoretically, at least, parts are chosen for sonic goodness.....relative to the goals and design constraints.
I would gingerly approach crossover mods and be aware that more money doesn't necessarily mean better sound.
As a minor counterpoint to Shay, many designers and 'mod' guys will swear by the 'bypass' cap. Say...you need 20mfd. Well, get a couple 10s or even a single 20mfd cap. Maybe spend a bundle. BUT they will also throw a .01 across in parallel. Something about the HF passing thru more easily......and adding to the quality.
Just a thought.

Shay123, that is awful advice. Manufactures are in the business to make money, do you believe they'd add all those extra parts if they weren't necessary?

As for bypasses, I only find them helpful when dealing with electrolytic caps of large values in shunt positions. In series with the mid or tweeter ruins spacial information and adds artificial artifacts, YMMV.

""12-25-10: Shay123
The more u simplify the crossover, the better it will sound.""

with all respect to all Audiogon members, this statement is ridiculous and similar to statements like "reducing car power gear box from 6 to 1 gears significaly improoves car durability and performance" its true, but this car should be electromobile in kids circus park.