2. pro-audio
  3. 173733-161121

Active vs passive crossover

I think most of forumers in this plaftorm know what are active/passive crossover (essentially crossover before/after the amplification) and understand the pros and cons of them.  Some if not all might even agree the best sound reproduction solution is active crossover with DSP.  But, my question is, why the vast majority of companies in this industry still chooses the passive route.

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erik_squires
15,670 posts
 

"Best sounding" is not how I would universally qualify passive crossovers.

Complexity and the desire to avoid an extra A/D, D/A conversion step are important negatives.  If I am the type to want to go out and buy a fancy DAC and amplifier I don't necessarily want to have the sound quality interfered with by another component I wont' be able to evaluate as thoroughly.

jim204
881 posts
 

I think it mostly comes down to how much more it would be to make them active and would the normal audiophile be prepared to pay for it.

oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 

Money and the ability to blow up their drivers, with our screw ups. The tech support lines would never shut up.. I could see the warrantee lines, behind, OOPS! and expect the manufacture to pay for their messing around. I could hear the conversation. I don't know, it just started smoking and quit working.. :-)

Regards

erik_squires
15,670 posts
 

Grrr, "best sounding is not how I would universally classify ACTIVE crossovers."

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