2. amps-preamps
  3. 154746-139155

Is Parasound on to something? Or, How important is crossover management in preamps?

How important is crossover management in mid-fi receiver?

I auditioned Parasound separates yesterday — P6 and A23+ and the dealer emphasized how useful it would be to be able to control the crossover *both* for the subwoofer (I have a Rel 328) and the bookshelves (TBD, but I'm looking at Dynaudios and Salk WOW1's). Not many preamps have this, and I'm wondering how important it is. I'm also quite interested in PS Audio's separates (Stellar Gaincell + S300) but they do not have these, nor do they have tone controls.

So how valuable is Parasound's controls? What is the significance (positive or negative) control over the crossover — especially of the *main* speakers themselves? The positive, I read, is that it (a) allows mains to do a more precise job by relieving them of the burden of the bottom end, and (b) it increase the efficacy of the power amp in driving the mains. Is there a negative? Is there something "improper" about limiting the demands on mains, especially given their designed frequency range?

As you can see, the answer to this question helps determine whether Parasound has a major value-adding feature in these crossover controls.

Obviously, at the end of the day, auditioning pre's and poweramps (or integrateds) is crucial, as is match to speakers, etc. But if this feature is very important for fitting sub and mains together — and fitting speakers to room environments — then it will help me weigh the Parasound or any other preamp with this feature.

P.S. To those who keep seeing my newbie questions, I hope they're not irksome. I'm posting so often because I'm researching purchases for a whole system, of some cost, and so I'm really digging into these questions about all aspects. And I'm having a blast.
128x128hilde45

Showing 3 responses by douglas_schroeder

douglas_schroeder
3,281 posts
 
Some horrible advice given by millercarbon. Will lead to worse results. 
WRONG:
Look for Integrated first
Ignore specs, i.e. wpc
Average cost of system elements

Follow that advice and odds of attaining mediocre sound are high.  :(

DO:
Separates
X-over in sub
Pay attention holistically to specs
NOT average costs! 40% on speakers,  10% on cables, rest on electronics ZERO on tweaks.

OBVIOUSLY system components synergy/matching is critical. 

Not interested in arguing my advice. Pick your authority,  and get your results. :)
douglas_schroeder
3,281 posts
 
Hilde45, you're welcome. Jim Salk is a superb source and will steer you right. 
douglas_schroeder
3,281 posts
 
No amount of tech discussion or specifications analysis resolves such questions.  Listening comparison is the final arbiter  especially since preferences vary so much between hobbyists. 
Be aware that if you ever wish to upgrade and sell speakers  anything unusual or customization taking it away from stock and requiring specific components would likely devastate the resale.

This may sound tough, but trying to be helpful; At your level along the performance spectrum the difference between your. Choices is rather small. It is one of dozens of potential upgrades and improvements in the field of domestic audio. Your selection will have only a smaller nudge toward upper end sound. It takes many such incremental,  or fewer huge moves to get very high end results. To attain far more significant changes you will need to move up the speaker food chain, I. E. Larger floor standing speakers:  in my experience bookshelf and sub is not as capable as large floor standing speakers.  :)
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