Electronic cross-over on pre-amp out, to split signal to subwoofer and bookshelf speakers


I have a 50 W amp for 86 dB bookshelf speakers.

I really want to keep both amp and speakers.

My idea is to have an electronic crossover on preamp out, split the signal say at 80 Hz - Send the lower electronic cross over out to a subwoofer.  Send the high crossover out to my existing 50 W power amps.

This would extend speaker frequency range to subwoofer capability - say 25 Hz, reduce the power amp load and allow to play the bookshelf speakers a bit louder,/ have more headroom.

I am sure others have already done.  What cross over did you use?  Was it successful?

dcaudio

I really like what I read.   You are all amazing!!!

My first test to establish baseline is to get cutover frequency and volume correct.  The speakers are flat from 100 Hz and up.  My room is pretty large about 15 by 30 feet.  With a 24 dB filter I am planning to start frequency setting very very low.  50 Hz.  Basically, sub contribution at 100 Hz will be gone and be "bookshelf" only.  I will use test tracks to get a sense of sound levels. 20, 30, 40, etc.  Make comparison with sub on and off.  Listen to digital recordings.  Get to a balances frequency and level.

I like the idea of filtering low frequency out early, post DAC.  Signal is already at a good level and get the low level out of pre and power.

Comments??

@dcaudio ...sounds like a plan to go forth with....👍  Simple first to test the potentials and stumble over a drawback or so...
Then the focus knows where to hear and how.... ;)

Good variable factors! J

I can personally highly recommend Marchand Electronics, very high quality gear at reasonable prices, options galore, and excellent service. The owner called me to double check that I hadn’t made a silly mistake in ordering. Of course, I had, and he saved us both time and headaches by being a savvy business owner and electronic engineer. 
 

enjoy the listening,

Dave

I used a CR1 to eliminate the vertical axial room mode at ~60Hz from the speakers. It was easy to hear and measure ( using REW) the difference.  This is with two different speakers. I did not realize a  distortion reduction or improved volume overhead. Unfortunately the CR1 caused a slight haze and dynamic reduction, so I went back to the axial mode problem. The CR1 does have a great feature set and is probably the most liquid crossover on the used market in terms of price.