active x-overs
 

I've been reading some threads on active x-overs and wanted to get some opinions on the CR-1 vs the Bryston 10b vs the Pass XVR1. I have a c500p running into 2301s (powering PMC IB2 speakers) and 2x JL f112 subs. I bought the ib2 speakers for the mids not the bass and figured since they are a hungry speaker my 2301 amps might benefit from a little more "headroom". I like the low profile of the Bryston but overall sound trumps other factors for me. Thoughts?

If all you are doing is crossing a sub into your mains, any of the ones you listed will be fine. The XVR1 will be overkill for this and be much more complex to set up than either the Bryston or the JL.

If you are doing an active multi-way (3,4,5 or more-way) crossover system, the XVR1 is the way to go because you can keep adding control modules.

Jeremy.......I found the Bryston 10B Sub active crossover to be exceptionally versatile, quiet, transparent, and flexible in my studio system when I used it to crossover my SF Guarneri Memento's with a pair of McIntosh XLS112 powered subwoofers. The ability to control crossover points, slopes, and gain for each channel allows the Bryston crossover to seamlessly blend sub woofers and main speakers. My goal was similar to yours, that is I wanted to take everything below 70Hz off the GM's because the combination mid/woofer was rolling off too quickly at about 48Hz and working hard trying to reproduce frequencies below that point. Once I installed the 10B Sub in the mix and routed everything below 70Hz to the subwoofers the system performance improved dramatically. The Memento's sounded much better, the subwoofers gave me a full range bottom octave that had been previously missing, and I gained some headroom in the piar of MC275 amps I was operating in mono. It was a win all around. I can recommend the Bryston 10B Sub active crossover without reservation.

If you haven't read my http://www.audioaficionado.org/bryst...tml#post114587 review yet, you might find it interesting. It can be ordered in balanced or single ended versions. Mine was balanced.



http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/q...ubinStudio.jpg

That is my intention: subs to mains. Thanks for your input-- very helpful!

Thanks for your note Dan. I should have figured you had covered this! I will definitely review. What s great forum.

Update: I have a CR-1 inbound. I'm excited but have a question:

I currently "toe in" my ib2 speakers. Should I toe in my f112s as well or does it make more sense to ou the subs close to the back wall and adjust the phase? (The f112 manual shows the subs not toed in). Thx for your input.

I askedto my JL rep about the CR-1 and after a brief pause he simply said "magical"

The subs does not have to be toed in similar to that of the mains. What is "generally" more important is to toe the sub to fire at the opposite corner, the longest distance. There is no hard and fast rule however.

You could probably, well almost, face the subwoofer backwards and not have it make a difference because frequencies that a subwoofer makes are radiated in a sphere around the source because the driver is so small relative to the wavelength of the subwoofer frequencies.

Location in the room is what counts with a sub.

Toe in isn't necessary for a sub.

Thanks Everyone! I have the CR-1 in place and am just waiting for the necessary cables-- will be sure to provide any resulting insights!