Are first order crossovers best?


Here's an interesting item IMO. In looking for some speaker cables, and possibly interconnects too, I've been hearing from the various manufacturers of these wires a question regarding the crossover in my speakers.

"What order crossover is in them, first, second, third, etc?"

I believe mine (VR4 JR's), are fourth order.

The thought that comes to my mind is this...What does that matter? Should I care what sort of ordered crossover there is in a speaker? How big or small a part does it play?

At this point I have no answers for the above Q's.... if I could have your thoughts and experiences it would be more than appreciated to shed some light on this currently dimly lit subject...

Thanks all...
blindjim

Showing 3 responses by matrix

No crossover is the best.. Even an Active vs. passive all together is better. But for your question, I think most of the speakers with first orders do for some reason sound more natural and effortless vs. other slopes.
Yeah I love my Driver cone breakup and distortion, too bad it still sounds best! Crossoverless Zu's see system. Not a single full range however, it uses 2 :)
Blindjim, See your own quote here, not sure but looks like you are fishing and someone put some bait on the line for you to help. And further your title states " Are first order crossovers best?" yet you explain you own 4th order, so you got opinions and reasons thats it.

"What order crossover is in them, first, second, third, etc?"

I believe mine (VR4 JR's), are fourth order.

The thought that comes to my mind is this...What does that matter? Should I care what sort of ordered crossover there is in a speaker? How big or small a part does it play?

At this point I have no answers for the above Q's.... if I could have your thoughts and experiences it would be more than appreciated to shed some light on this currently dimly lit subject..."