Why HiFi manufacturers don't make active crossovers anymore?


Hello to all,

On the recent days, I noticed that a lot of manufacturers of Hifi 2 channel systems, had plenty of options in a not so long past, of active crossovers, like Luxman, Accuphase, higher end Sony stuff, and many more, why do you think HiFi manufacturers abandoned the inclusion of active cross overs, channel dividers, in their lineup?

Accuphase still makes a digital one.

Appears that this devices are only still relevant in the Pro Audio world, why Home HifI abandoned the active cross over route? It's correct to assume that?

I think that can be very interesting tri-amp a three way loudspeakers with active cross overs, would like to know more about it too...

Share your thoughts about the subject, experiences in bi-amp and tri-amp with active crossovers and etc....

Thanks!
128x128cosmicjazz

Showing 1 response by stilljim

I can't speak to most of the crossovers mentioned in the thread. I use a Bryston 10B two way analog crossover with Magnepan 1.6's and 2 Arcam 10P 2 channel amplifiers. I removed the speakers passive crossovers and rewired the speaker panels to the binding posts. I was able to pick up the crossover and second amplifier used. IMO, it was time and money well spent. It really opened up and cleaned up the sound. 

The Bryston 10B is not as flexible as some of the digital crossover versions (i.e. - limited in slope and crossover point selections, and no room correction) but matches very well with the Magnepans as what choices are available with the Bryston are close to what the original passive crossovers were. I ended up liking different settings more than those matching the original passives.

I believe the Bryston and Pass analog active crossovers are still available and I see them used on rare occasions. Good luck with your project.

JS