Do No Harm ... well the least harm anyway


I want to insert a high pass filter between my preamp and amp (both Benchmark) so I can limit the frequencies going to my full range speakers (Ref 3A Nefes II) to over 100Hz with a 24 db/oct. slope. The 3 possible ways are passive, active, or digitally (A to D then D to A where this is done through software). I am seeking opinions on which method would be the least intrusive to the original signal (ie. best sounding). Thanks for any replies.

koestner

“My reasoning for wanting to do this is to limit cone movement of the 2 full range drivers”
@koestner,

Have you reached out to your speakers manufacturer? They may be able to guide you on running your speakers full range with recommended amplification. A mis-matched amplifier is never going to sound good even with HP/LP filters. 

@cleeds Wrote:

Why would you want to limit bass to a full range speaker system?

JBL explains why see here page three B460 Bass System and page four BX63 Frequency dividing Network.

Mike

@koestner Wrote:

. I'm just not sure if it's better to go down this path, or not.

Maybe this will help see here. 😎

Mike

Have you considered a parametric equalizer?The ability to fine tune frequencies might provide the results you're looking for.https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/equalizer-in-a-hi-fi-system

Well, there you have it. It seems I have about a snowball's chance in Hell of getting this idea to sound correct. I think I will let the Nefes play full range and let the subs give a helping hand under 50 Hz or so. My subs have all kinds of adjustments, so I can mess with them and not really worry about the critical integration of 2 different drivers at the 100Hz range. Thank you ALL!!

This sounds like looking to create a problem where there is none.  Your speakers go down to 26Hz and were designed to work that way — including the drivers that are custom made by Ref 3a — and you wanna cut them at 100Hz?  And why in the world would you want your subs to be working up to 100Hz with near full-range speakers that cost $10k???  This sounds like a potential big step backwards to me, but I guess anything is at least worth trying.