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crossover newb with passive subwoofer questions

I am considering purchasing a stand alone crossover for my system.
My system is comprised of the following, source to speakers:
MacMini to DAC to tube line preamp to tube amplifier to *passive* subwoofers (one per channel) with monitor satellites wired off their respective channel subwoofer.
The crossover devices that I've seen all seem to have RCA outputs (rather than speaker outs) which would imply to me that that the subwoofer and satellites would need their own amplifier.
Is there a device, or way to avoid the need for another amplifier,using a crossover "seperate" with my passive subwoofer/satellite setup? I'm assuming that such an animal would allow for wiring the speakers for each channel in more of a parallel arrangement, as opposed to a series arrangement as I have them now....
rabco
barry_e_cohen
83 posts
 
What you are currently using is a Speaker level crossover. Your amp feeds a full range signal to a crossover built into your sub. This crossover divides the signal sending part to your sub, and the rest to your other speakers.

What sub and speakers are you using? They may not be a good match with each other.
rabco OP
49 posts
 
I'm using Cambridge Soundworks passive subwoofers with Legacy Monitors. The wires feeding the Legacy's are connected to the same posts on the subwoofers that accept the signal from the amp.
kr4's avatar
kr4
3,735 posts
 
Then you are not using any crossover, at all, on the Legacy monitors and I don't know what those "subs" have as crossovers for themselves. I suspect none. Do you know?

Get a decent powered sub with a built-in amp and crossover.

Kal
tpsonic
1,092 posts
 
This can be done with a capacitor feeding the monitors and an inductor on the subwoofer feed.Any idea of what frequency you would use for this crossover?
Do the "passive" subs have a level-control? And do you know the impedance of the sub and monitors?
rabco OP
49 posts
 
I've assumed the passive subs have no crossover for themselves. I haven't gone to the length of contacting the manufacturer at this point.
As always, I'm trying to proceed to get the most for my audio dollar. I'm assuming a nice self powered sub could set me back, well, more than a good used crossover.
I could press a nice Onkyo ss amp into service to power the subs.
Opinions regarding the benefit I might realize by buying a used crossover & employing a seperate amp, vs the addition of several active devices are welcome.
If anyone cares to share their experience doing this, I'm all ears.
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