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Sub Crossover vs. External Crossover

I am putting together a two-channel system, and I plan to incorporate a subwoofer for low-end. My mains are Tyler Acoustic Taylo Ref. Monitors, and my sub is a Revel B15. My question is whether I should use the crossover in the B15, or whether I should use a separate external crossover - I am concerned that by using the B15's crossover, I will negatively impact the quality of the signal going into my amp. My pre will likely be a Bryston BP 25 and my amp a Bryston 4B SST. If I purchase and external crossover, it will be the Bryston 10B (sub version, balanced). Any advice would be welcome.
boschtb
jimbo3
304 posts
 
Assuming that the sub has a passive x-over and the external x-over is active, the active x-over would likely be better. Try the sub's x-over first and, if you don't like it, go for the active.

Regards
Jim
detlof
1,899 posts
 
Jim gives sound advice. I'd also try to run the main system full spectrum, cut off your sub at the lowest possible x-over point and very carefully add a bit of sub as a third possibility. Reason: ALL X-overs, active or passive, degrade the sound on the high pass side, best noticeable in soundstage width and depth collapsing somewhat, more grain in the midband and a somewhat degraded high end. Cheers,
ed_sawyer
588 posts
 
your best bet is to use the Xover within the B15. It's quite nice and matched specifically for that speaker. Get a Sound Level Meter from Rat Shack and use the CD that comes with the Revel to set up the parametric EQ in the sub. Integration doesnt' get much better than that. I have a Bryston 10B pro Sub X-over and it's a nice piece, but if I had a Revel b15 I wouldn't bother with it.

-Ed
jimbo3
304 posts
 
Detlof comments reminded me that, if your pre has two sets of outputs, use one for the main speakers (full spectrum) and the other for the sub. A passive x-over/filter in the sub will filter out the mids and highs while you retain full frequency without added complications to the signal to the main amp/speakers.

Also, while Detlof's assesment is correct, done right, active x-overs will generally add more than they detract. How much more can be a large variable.

Regards
Jim
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