Vandersteens-- Removing M5-HPs for a Digital Xover?

Johnny - I really doubt that any "charged capacitor" internal crossover networks can compare to an active crossover using multi-amps. Vandersteen has some of the best, but JBL started this 60 - 70 years ago. Unless you've tried eliminating passive crossover components between the amplifier outputs and the drivers (just plain copper wire) you will not know the improvements. All the best.

@fiesta75 ,

I would be hesitant to challenge Johnny's take on this.

As I said in my earlier post, Mr. V. has considered using a digital crossover, but found it to be lacking. Johnny, attempted to explain why.

You can doubt 

that any "charged capacitor" internal crossover networks can compare to an active crossover

But, if the designer himself finds it not up to snuff, then I would take it as gospel.

As, I think, Mr. V. would say, you have to listen closely to see if those 'improvements' are what they seem to be.

I won't claim to be able to hear this, but I will put my faith in the hearing of those I respect.

Bob

No disrespect intended. I'm just going by what my ears have told me over the years.

This is like saying if i disconnect the Brakes in my car how many of you fellows will still have their family jewels left and are they still in decent working condition.

 

I try not to put my ‘alls on the line… in case they still work ;)

By the way I heard very good things about you and your shop.

Johnny - I really doubt that any "charged capacitor" internal crossover networks can compare to an active crossover using multi-amps. Vandersteen has some of the best, but JBL started this 60 - 70 years ago. Unless you’ve tried eliminating passive crossover components between the amplifier outputs and the drivers (just plain copper wire) you will not know the improvements. All the best.

I pretty much agree, but most users have big mono blocks and are wedded to the passive XOs.

But at least there are two of use in a small boat.

It would be interesting to hear both approaches with the same drivers/boxes. I have been toying with that idea for some older 2Cs.

This is like saying if i disconnect the Brakes in my car

I asked this legend race car drover once about braking technique and going fast.
He said, “Brakes do not speed one up, so it is best to stay off of them.”
(It’s sort of true once I watched closely at his technique… he would just brush them to transfer some weight.)

Well, I finally tried it last night.

To @gdnrbob 's point and last post, I do trust RV's ears and experience.  He didn't really tell me one way or another in terms of sound when I asked him, though.  I need to do more listening, but I detected a slight bump in clarity upon first impression when moving to the Theta.  Of course, I am not going to be A/Bing this back and forth because it is really hard to reach the back of my amp and switch everything with the limited space I have behind my cabinet and all the cables there.  I have to go on "muscle memory" of having heard certain things for testing over and over again.

It seemed like maybe there was a slight drop-off in bass along with the clarity bump, so that is why I want to be sure I'm not just hearing more upper frequencies and perceiving it as such.  I can adjust the bass in them, if need be, and will probably need to re-run the Vandertones.  I'm also going to be switch power cords in a couple weeks (on order) so will wait to re-calibrate them until that is in, if that's how I think I should go.

I think the takeaway would be that the difference is slight, but better is better.  Thus, I'll take whatever improvements I can find.