How good is the crossover in your loudspeakers?

@texbychoice wrote:

@russbutton 

You provide an interesting alternative path that can work if one likes massive over-complication that introduces numerous paths to problems.

Explain "massive over-complication." You're replacing a passive crossover on the output side of the amp with an active ditto, so the interfacing complication/bottleneck introduced passively between the amp and speakers is removed and instead the crossover duties are placed prior to amplification on signal level. Yes, you'll have yourself another piece of hardware, but it's not simple added to the chain; to reiterate, you're also substracking a passive crossover, so the power transfer from a dedicated(!) amp channel to a driver is vastly improved and simplified in the process. 

As for the claimed "numerous paths to problems," what are they?

Unless big bucks are spent, the number of cheap, wide tolerance, low reliability components increases at least 10 fold over a passive crossover. 

A naturally larger low voltage component count on signal level vs a fewer high voltage ditto used in a passive crossover on the output side of the amp is not a comparable scenario as a marker with regard to its effect on sound quality. As in: it's not something you can simply determine with reference to the number of components used, but rather the more important factor is where and how in the chain either crossover option is implemented (if anything a higher component count has a bigger influence passively). Also note that on signal level you can set the filter values much more precisely, and they don't deviate one bit with varying output loads as they do passively. 

If spending a few hundred to improve a passive crossover is unreasonable, the russbutton solution is insanely costly. 

Not saying a passive crossover makeover for a moderate outlay can't do a difference or be worthwhile for a given someone, but the active option has to be assessed in a wider perspective on how you approach amp to speaker/driver interfacing and your sound reproduction goals ultimately. While active config. may lead to a bigger investment vs. a passive crossover path in a single setup context, it's also one that can enter a very different ballgame sonically and save you money in the long run. 

@phusis 

Russbutton describes an active crossover providing signal to an amplifier for each driver.  For a three driver speaker, three separate amps required.  Six amps total for a typical 2 channel system.  That is increased complication. In no way is replacing a passive crossover with that an equal exchange. Numerous paths to problems include more connection points, more cabling, higher parts count=less reliable, multiple paths for EMI/RFI, matching amps to drivers, level adjustment for each driver to name a few.  The power transfer from amp to each driver is not vastly improved.  A passive crossover does not consume unreasonable power as has been implied either.

No doubt Class D amps will be recommended.  This recommended path is supposed to produce superior sound quality, right.  Six cheap Class D amps are the exact opposite of quality and reliability.  Better have a couple spares on hand at all times.

If an individual wishes to pursue active crossover, DSP, multiple amps, etc. that is just as acceptable as improving a passive crossover.  However, fact is the active path is not as simple or vastly superior as the claims made in this thread.  Pick your poison.

We are respectful and inclusive so yes, everything is acceptable. However, an active crossover with DSP and direct amplification is most likely to yield superior results in terms of overall sound quality.

I'm with @texbychoice To believe all this equipment, software doesn't impact sound quality is illusory. I've assembled an entire system with a particular voicing I prefer, I don't want timbre, tonality touched. This includes my passive crossovers intentionally voiced with purposely chosen crossover topology, caps, inductors, wiring, drivers, all work harmoniously to provide preferred voicing. Speakers 103db sensitivity, 7 or 8 watt 300B monoblocks provide an excess of power, so much for passive crossovers sucking power.

As for an all analog system, why in the world would one want to add DSP, defeats the whole purpose of keeping a vinyl setup with it's unique sound qualities.