JL Audio CR-1 Crossover

[Ricjor1]

I'm currently considering the CR-1 to go with Aerial 7Ts and dual SVS SB 13 Ultras. Can anyone provide information on what I should expect? In addition, are there other crossovers that compete with the CR-1?

[Masterlu]

Originally Posted by Ricjor1

I'm currently considering the CR-1 to go with Aerial 7Ts and dual SVS SB 13 Ultras. Can anyone provide information on what I should expect? In addition, are there other crossovers that compete with the CR-1?

I'm about to add my 2nd one.

[ame]https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=BEQ14UHC3P0[/ame]

[Ricjor1]

Originally Posted by Masterlu

I'm about to add my 2nd one.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=BEQ14UHC3P0

okay, you are adding a 2nd one...but how did it change the sound of your main speakers?

[audio bill]

Adding any active device in the signal path will affect the sound in some way, but JL put a lot of time and effort into the design of the CR-1 so that it has as little impact as possible. The reviews that I've seen have confirmed that they met that goal, and that it is more transparent than other available crossovers that they've tried.

[Ricjor1]

Originally Posted by audio bill

Adding any active device in the signal path will affect the sound in some way, but JL put a lot of time and effort into the design of the CR-1 so that it has as little impact as possible. The reviews that I've seen have confirmed that they met that goal, and that it is more transparent than other available crossovers that they've tried.

I'm not asking if the CR-1 affects the sound, because I know adding any component should have some type of impact. I need to provide a little detail and hopefully my question is a little clearer...I've been looking into ways to add more detail and space between instruments to my system. I called SVS on Wednesday and they told me to change the low pass crossover from 50 hertz to 63 hertz on my SVS SB 13 Ultras. In addition, they told me to turn the volume up. I did and I heard a not so subtle change to my mains. The sound was more detailed and had a bigger soundstage. Not night and day difference, but easy to hear. I start looking into external crossovers. My thoughts are that a external crossover would free the load from my main speakers/amp and provide a more detailed and open sound. I talked to JL Audio and they suggested I should set the crossover at 80 hertz if I purchase the CR-1. So my question to anyone that has added the CR-1. How much has it improved the sound of your main speakers? Are they more detailed, opened, deeper soundstage...is it significant or a modest change.

[mfoley3]

I've been using a CR-1 with two JL Audio F110 subs and a pair of Focal Diablo monitors for the past several months. It is the only active crossover that I've tried so I can't provide any comparative info regarding other crossovers.
My experience with it has been very positive. My system is all tubed with the exception of the CR-1 and an Esoteric K03 CDP used as my primary source. Adding the CR-1 to the system slightly altered its sound, making it a bit less euphonic. The offset was: 1. a clearer and more detailed overall presentation, 2. greater system ease and dynamic range, 3. much better bass articulation and slam, 4. A deeper and wider sound stage, 5. more precise imaging and placement of performers and instruments within the sound stage and 6. reduced listener fatigue. The integration of the subs with the monitors is seamless. The CR-1 is also very quiet. I didn't try it with the stock power cord and have been using and Acoustic Zen Krakatoa power cord.
I can't speak to the ease of setup as that was done by my brother who is a professional acoustical and audio electronics engineer.
I'm very pleased with the CR-1, but as I noted earlier I have not compared it with other crossovers nor do I have any experience with any other subs. My guess is that you will be quite pleased with it.

[mfoley3]

Overall, I would rank the improvement as quite significant. I view the CR-1 as an absolutely essential component, one that I can't imagine being without.

[Ricjor1]

Originally Posted by mfoley3

I've been using a CR-1 with two JL Audio F110 subs and a pair of Focal Diablo monitors for the past several months. It is the only active crossover that I've tried so I can't provide any comparative info regarding other crossovers.
My experience with it has been very positive. My system is all tubed with the exception of the CR-1 and an Esoteric K03 CDP used as my primary source. Adding the CR-1 to the system slightly altered its sound, making it a bit less euphonic. The offset was: 1. a clearer and more detailed overall presentation, 2. greater system ease and dynamic range, 3. much better bass articulation and slam, 4. A deeper and wider sound stage, 5. more precise imaging and placement of performers and instruments within the sound stage and 6. reduced listener fatigue. The integration of the subs with the monitors is seamless. The CR-1 is also very quiet. I didn't try it with the stock power cord and have been using and Acoustic Zen Krakatoa power cord.
I can't speak to the ease of setup as that was done by my brother who is a professional acoustical and audio electronics engineer.
I'm very pleased with the CR-1, but as I noted earlier I have not compared it with other crossovers nor do I have any experience with any other subs. My guess is that you will be quite pleased with it.

Thanks for the response. All the feedback that I have received has been great. I will order one next week and share my thoughts after I have some hours on it.

[jbaudio68]

Originally Posted by Ricjor1

Thanks for the response. All the feedback that I have received has been great. I will order one next week and share my thoughts after I have some hours on it.

can't wait to hear your thoughts!

[KMC45]

Ultra Audio has a review by Jeff Fritz on the JL Audio CR-1.