JL Audio CR-1 Crossover
So, I own 4 JL Audio F-113 subs. Each of these were bought used and all have been updated at JL Audio.
I have been very happy using them in my system. The main speakers are Focal Sopra 2’s. I am using a Iso-Max Jensen transformer(s) model #SP-2SX to connect the subs to my mains and it seems to work pretty well. BTW, the Iso Max unit(s) convert speaker level to balanced (similar to the Rel subs) using Speak-On fittings.
The JL Audio solution to the high/low band pass issue was their CR-1 Electronic crossover. I always wanted to try one of these but at $3000 list I didn’t think it could improve that much over my Iso Max unit(s).
However, I was able to find a used JL Audio CR-1 electronic crossover and I have just now connected it up.
The first thing I noticed was how much very low bass I was missing. Example: Linda Ronstadt “Blue Bayou” the bass now digs into the subterranean.
I guess I need to play with it a while. but I was wonderin’ if anyone else who owns or has owned this unit can share any set ups tips and general opinions of the unit.
ozzy
hi @ozzy 90Hz is what JL recommends. Also, I tried several from 70hz to 110 and did not like other x-over frequencies any better. Regardless if it's 80 or 90, I believe the most important part is to find the right phasing on each sub. That's when the entire system just clicks-in! Best Regards
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For those of you who do own a CR-1 and want to use it with your home theater. The directions are incorrect. If you connect a RCA sub input from the Home theater into the "Managed Subs" input on the CR-1 you must output using the same type of output (RCA) to your subs. The same goes for XLR input. I actually used a XLR/RCA adapter into the "Managed Subs" input so that I could still use the XLR subwoofer outputs. I hope I explained this correctly. ozzy |
I had the CR-1 and a couple JL e110 subs for quite a while (paired to my Thiel 2.6 speakers). First of all JL Audio is a stellar company to deal with. Really helpful customer service and fantastic products! id first tried integrating the subs “REL style,” running the mains full range and adding the subs via the high level signal input. They meshed surprisingly well in terms of audibility but not perfect. I added the Dspeaker anti mode dsp just to the subs and it got a little smoother. Though I kept noting an unwelcome change in timbre to my system - too dark and lifeless. Finally I added the CR-1 to cross the subs with the mains “proper style” and it was significantly better. I managed to maintain much more of my systems regular tone while adding the subs. The CR1 was a delight to use. So easy and intuitive. I loved being able to demo my system with the subs crossed over or the speakers run full range at the push of a button. That really allowed me to see what the subs were adding. Also the CR1 sounded completely transparent!
Ultimately I decided against the subwoofers. I didn’t find the low bass added much, I didn’t note any particular clarity or lack of strain in the mids and up, and it still slightly altered the tone from what I liked. My speakers sounded to me more finally real and alive and punchy without the subs. So I sold it all with no regrets.
But I very highly recommend the CR1 for anyone wanting to integrate subs in the analog domain. |
