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Outboard crossover box location??

I will soon be changing rooms and system location. My question is whether it is better to have an outboard crossover closer to the amp, closer to the speakers, or does it not matter. It will be more convenient in my new setup to have the crossover boxes located about 1.5-2 feet from the amp, then run about 10 feet of speaker cable from the boxes to the speakers rather than the other way around. I would plan to hardwire the input wires at the crossover boxes and have spades on the amp end of those wires, then use my speaker cables for the 10-foot run to the speakers. Is there any reason why the signal exiting the crossover box needs different wiring than the signal from the amp to the crossover. Thanks for any help. - Tim
mitch2
aarsoe
20 posts
 
Mitch2

I cant think of any reasons why the cables after the crossovers should be kept to a minimum. After all the signal is pretty strong, so any loss due to cable lenght will be minimal. (all though I am a firm believer in keeping speaker cables to an absolut minimum)

Another thing to think about, is when you do move your crossover outside the box, then splitting the crossover so that the induction coils have a bigger distance between them, could also be worthwhile. They tend to be pretty sensitive to magnetic fields created by other coils. This is also the reason you see manufactors putting every other coil on its side in other to make the magnetic field go in different directions..

What are the speakers your modding?
eldartford
4,262 posts
 
My KLH12 speakers came with a sophisticated "outboard" crossover that looked like a preamp, with a nice wooden case, with knobs to shape the sound spectrum by attenuating the various drivers. Two sets of cables were provided. One set was about 3 feet long for use if you were going to put the crossover on top of the (floorstanding) speaker. The other set was about 20 feet long for use if you would locate the crossover in the equipment rack.

I never thought there was any difference in the sound.
mitch2 OP
4,183 posts
 
thanks Eldartford, that helps.
mitch2 OP
4,183 posts
 
Aarsoe, the speakers are Alon V MkII's that have been upgraded to all alnico drivers, exactly the same as the Stereophile Class A Alon Circe. It is a very worthwhile upgrade, since cabinet construction is the same in both speakers, except for how the grills are attached. I actually like the Alon V set up better because it does not have an upper frame over the baffle that holds the midrange and tweeter. Carl Marchisotto with Nola (Alon) has recommended moving the crossovers outboard and is going to help me with some upgrades to better integrate the crossovers with the new drivers, although the crossover points on both speakers are the same, and he says the upgrades are not necessary. I will say they are totally different (better) speakers than the stock Alon V MkII. Thanks for your response to my question.
bigkidz
3,415 posts
 
I have one grill for Alon V MKII speakers that I no longer need and want to sell if anyone is interested. Contact me.
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