What crossovers/EQs are available?
 

I've used stereo subs for 10 yrs now. At first, I used a TacT 2.2X to implement crossover, sub time alignment, and LF EQ. Then a mod shop stole my TacT. I replaced it with a Classé CP-800, and now I'm wondering about updating that, but there is not much high-end gear aimed at 4-channel systems (2 main, 2 sub), as far as I can see.

What I am looking for:

• Digital crossover between main and sub
• Adjustments for sub-main timing (distance) in each channel
• PEQ (automated or manual), mainly for f < 500 Hz or so (if auto, must be tweakable manually)
• Tilt or tone controls (digital) to adjust poor recordings
• A 4-channel DAC for mains and subs (but could use external DAC(s))
• Relatively straightforward to set up and operate

What I decided on was a Classé CP-800, which has most of the above, but lacks any sub-main timing adjustment. It also lacks a way to set sub levels -- one has to do that at the subs, which in my case (JL F112) means tweaking small, uncalibrated knobs. I use a Dayton Omni mic to get a starting point for manual LF corrections made with the CP-800's PEQ.

Here is some current gear that might work in such a system (my thoughts in parens). I'd appreciate comments if people have tried some of this, and also about what other pieces are good possibilities.

• DEQX Premate (Great DAC IME, but clanking relays on SR change; overly complex to set up)
• JL Audio CR-1 (crossover only, no EQ, which disqualifies it)
• Trinnov Amethyst (enticing if expensive)
• Lyngdorf gear (lacks manual tweaks to "Room Perfect" auto EQ)
• Classé (unreleased) CP-800 replacement
• Devialet ??? (don't know much about it)
• DSpeaker X4 (not yet released; appears to lack sub digital outs, AES3 ins; but otherwise a yes on features, at least)

An alternative would be JRiver and/or Acourate (or similar software) on a computer in the listening room. I have so far avoided having a computer there, as I think it would be a distraction. Also, Acourate corrections seem quite complex to get and keep running.

If anyone in Audio Aficionado is using such gear, it would be those in the subwoofer forum, so opinions, please!

Look at a DBX Drive Rack PA ora DBX DriveRack 260 or top end a dbx DriveRack VENU360

I run the Rack PA for one of my subs it is clean and very versital etc. Unlinited anount of EQ and points etc for a sub, mono, stereo, or 3way. 260 add EQ

dbx DriveRack PA2 Loudspeaker Management System at a Glance:

• Take control of your PA system with this state-of-the-art loudspeaker management system
• Automatically set up your PA with updated Wizard functions
• Take control of the DriveRack PA2 with your favorite mobile device or laptop
• Enhanced Advanced Feedback Suppression and AutoEQ functions
• Includes dbx's legendary compression
• Works with Android, iOS, Mac, and Windows devices
• Built-in crossover, limiting, and driver alignment delays
• Note: RTA microphone is NOT included

dbx DriveRack 260 features: 31 band EQ

• Feedback elimination
• 2.7 seconds of Alignment and Zone Delay
• RS-232 PC GUI control
• Classic dbx Compression and Limiting
• Graphic and Parametric EQ
• Auto-EQ function
• Full Bandpass, Crossover, and Routing configurations
• Auto Gain control
• Pink Noise Generator and fulltime RTA
• Set-up Wizard with JBL speaker and Crown Power Amp tunings
• Security lockout
• Wall Panel Control inputs

dbx DriveRack VENU360 Loudspeaker Management Processor Features:

• AFS automatically identifies feedback frequencies and eliminates the problem
• Driver alignment and zone delay functions
• Wireless control from your Mac, PC, iOS, or Android devices
• Classic transparent dbx compression and limiting
• Graphic and parametric EQs for fine-tuning control
• Auto-EQ function takes the guesswork out of tuning your PA to troublesome rooms
• Full bandpass, crossover, and routing configurations up to 6-way operation
• Auto gain control for easy setup
• Subharmonic synthesis gives your bass a boost
• Set-up wizard with speaker and amp tunings makes light work of system tuning
• Security lockout keeps curious fingers from ruining your setup
• Compatible with Ethernet audio wall controllers for installed sound

I prefer the computer route but you might also look at the Illusonic line: http://www.illusonic.com/audio-processors/iap-4/

FWIW, I really liked the DEQX but it has too few channels for me.

I use both the computer too, but you will get to tell your amp what to really do so much more so with an active crossover. Really makes the bass drive as it should. That is how it is done by the pros.

Active or not has nothing to do with whether you use a computer or if you use a flexible processor like the Illusonic. There are many ways...................

Kal, Thanks for the pointer. I was not familiar with Illusonic; now I see you reviewed it in 2014. Seems too expensive for me, which makes one more datum telling me a cost-effective setup will probably involve a computer. The data are getting pretty hard to ignore, but for some reason, I keep resisting. Maybe I need "Acourate for Dummies."

I liked the DEQX, too, even without calibrating it, but the clanking relays were a deal-breaker. It also was enormously irritating that the instructions are opaque, and DEQX charges the user for help setting up a $5000 piece. Still, I thought the DAC was one of the best I've heard.

(BTW, I'm the same Mike who lived in NC and had a pair of Revel Ultima Studios.)

djwhog, Thanks for your suggestion. I notice that Sanders uses the DBX Venu360 in their top-end system. It's cheap enough to experiment with. My impression is that it has only analog outs; in other words, you have to use the built-in DACs. Is that right?

Do not worry about your Tact. The company is longer in business plus there no upgrades for that unit. I used to have a Tact 2.2 that I used in the car. Fantastic sound and clean, I did not have to worry about the reflection coming off the glass.

I'm past worry, though I regret the cost of the unit and the progress payments I made for parts. I think that, with the upgrades promised to clocking circuits and power supplies, it would have been a pretty good unit today.

You used a Tact 2.2X in the car? Did you have an inverter to supply 110 VAC?

I changed out the AC power supply to DC. One of the best sounding cars I ever had. I used the Denon head unit, a lot of Brax amps, and Dynaudio speakers. I even entered into some car audio tournaments. I had add some JL audio subs to compete. I am also a Ham radio user, so I put the head unit of an Icom radio in the ashtray to hide it. All this was put in a 1999 BMW 740il.

To those who prefer the computer route: How do you manage source switching? That's something that has puzzled me in thinking about a computer-based main audio system.