Tube Monoblocks for heavy music on Khorns

Stimbo22, most horns (Khorns included) have high efficiency drivers that, because of their efficiency, are also highly reactive. Such drivers have a lot of back EMF because of the greater precision and efficiency of their magnetic motors.

The back EMF really messes with amplifiers have a low output impedance. However the passive crossover of the speaker is helpful, because it is a series element in the speaker, and so allows you to use amplifier with a moderate output impedance (at least) without too much trouble.

If you get rid of the passive crossover, the only amplifiers that will work well without being excessively shrill (due to the interaction with the back EMF) will be ones that have a high output impedance.

The S-30 is one of these, as are a number of smaller SETs. So you *could* make that work, but OTOH you could have a slightly larger amplifier and the passive crossover, and it might work every bit as good, with a lot less complexity and a lot less invested.

BTW if anyone has ever wondered why transistors are often shrill and honky with horns, this back EMF issue is why. I should point out though that the back EMF will mess with any amplifier that uses a lot of feedback.

Atmasphere, Do you think that it is better to have two nice "Big" monoblocks with passive high level crossovers, or small SE amps if you want, then having an active system without passive crossovers in ALL cases? I know there are alot of considerations to avoid generalizing the answer. I have had true full range systems driven with one amp, however for hard music it seems like integrating a subwoofer always provided improved sound FOR ME.

Tjnif, if I ran the Khorns with active low level crossovers and obviously without passive high level crossovers I could simply turn the level down on the squaker, EQ out some offending frequencies or both. Also, I could time allign the drivers all with just one digital conversion in all and usually with less phase consideration as opposed to using high level crossovers. Your thoughts????

Stimbo22, I've used active crossovers quite a bit. They are very tricky to say the least. For the most part though, at least so far anyway, I have seen better results using one amplifier to drive the speaker while using a passive crossover.

One thing you want to consider is that nearly all drivers have nuances, odd little peaks and dips in their response. The designer of the crossover, if he is worth his salt, will accommodate these variances. Unless the active crossover is specifically designed for that speaker, it will only provide general curves with no accommodation for actual driver behavior.

I suspect this is why the best systems I have heard have all had passive crossovers.

Stimbo22, It is my opinion that if one has an "idea" that they have they should pursue it. I am not a "tweaker".... I researched a tried and true products and incorporated them in my system & was astounded w/ the results! I have NO need to go any other route.
I think you should pursue "your" path. Check out the alk engineering site, good info