I have read numerous posts supporting the use of external crossovers, but I have not understood the significant sonic advantages compared to internal (inside the speaker) crossover networks. I would be interested in anyone who could fill in the blanks due to my ignorance on this topic...

In the case of internal crossover speakers... The full bandwidth low-level signal is sent to the amplifier. The entire signal is amplified, with the voltage gain being applied to the full bandwidth of the input signal. The speaker circuit, however, will only demand current flow from a specific frequency bandwidth dictated by the crossover. The amplifier, therefore, is not required to provide power beyond that which the speaker demands.

In the case of an external crossover... I would suppose that the crossover network is placed between the pre-amp and the amplifier. Each amplifier channel will only see the specific low-level signal intended for amplification. This would clearly eliminate the possible interaction (inside the amplifier) of signals above and/or below the intended frequency bandwidth of that channel. I am not aware that there is any significant interaction of low-level signals of differing frequency inside amplifiers or any other associated negative impact.

I assume that the advocates of external crossover networks have determined that an amplifier that would produce a full frequency bandwidth voltage gain, will somehow create distortion in the limited frequency bandwidth current flow demanded by the speaker circuit in a internal crossover configuration. I have not read this. It may be true, or something else... Is there someone out there in Outlaw territory that could please fill me in???

I have a sound processor with a low pass filter for my Low Frequency (LF) bi-amp channels so I suppose I do have a semi-external crossover. I primarily rely on the internal crossovers of my speakers, as the HF channels of my amplifier are fed the full bandwidth signal.

As for the quality of the crossover network... I am sure that it will vary between speaker manufacturers. I would guess that custom built speakers (DIY) that have drivers assembled from various manufacturers will probably benefit from external crossover networks that are optimized for the each driver’s characteristics.

Some speaker manufacturers, such as Bowers & Wilkins (B&W) have designed and built all of the drivers in the speaker, and the cabinets as well. They have developed a highly optimized crossover network for their speakers that would probably be difficult to match in an external crossover configuration.

Allan

[This message has been edited by AGAssarsson (edited July 09, 2003).]