Bookshelf Speakers - Acustic changes when crossed over

[Reorx]

The bookshelf speaker shootout got me thinking.
When using a bookshelf speaker..setup in various ways..ie: Large, xover@40hz, xover@60hz, xover@80hz...

Does it change the freq vs spl graphs other then at the 40/60/80hz xover?

Now with concerns to the speakers in the bookshelf speakers...they usually just have 2 speakers, and tweeter, and woofer. The Woofer handles both the Mids and Lows. So if you cut out the low end using a crossover, would that clean/clear up the Mids if they might be muddy?

If this is true, then I would think then, that bookshelf speakers crossed over at different points 'could' acoustically sound completely different, and thus could be interpreted differently when reviewed.

Thoughts?

Reorx

 

[jcPanny]

Speaker setup

When you crossover a bookshelf speaker, it wont produce the frequencies below the crossover. The only acoustic differences would be due to the limitations of the speaker (woofer bottoming out, etc.) or the sub doing a better job of reproducing the LFE.

Another difference for a average receiver setup is the lower frequencies require a lot more power from the amp, however, this is not a problem for the gear in the AH reference system.

 

[silversurfer]

If the driver does not have to simultaneously reproduce bass frequencies while reproducing the mids, yes, depending on the speaker, it could help clean up the mids.

The issue then becomes probably integrating a subwoofer.

 

[Joe Schmoe]

If the driver does not have to simultaneously reproduce bass frequencies while reproducing the mids, yes, depending on the speaker, it could help clean up the mids.

This is often cited as one of the advantages of using a sub. It is only true when the receiver has bass management, however. In a 2.1 system like mine, the speakers get the same full-range signal as they would without a sub.

 

[silversurfer]

This is often cited as one of the advantages of using a sub. It is only true when the receiver has bass management, however. In a 2.1 system like mine, the speakers get the same full-range signal as they would without a sub.

Does your sub have a crossover? Most subs that I have seen have a speaker level inputs and outputs with a crossover.

 

[Joe Schmoe]

Does your sub have a crossover? Most subs that I have seen have a speaker level inputs and outputs with a crossover.

Low-pass only. No outputs. It doesn't bother me, since my stereo speakers are floorstanders. It is something to consider when shopping for small speakers with a sub, however.

 

[Reorx]

When you crossover a bookshelf speaker, it wont produce the frequencies below the crossover. The only acoustic differences would be due to the limitations of the speaker (woofer bottoming out, etc.) or the sub doing a better job of reproducing the LFE.

If the driver does not have to simultaneously reproduce bass frequencies while reproducing the mids, yes, depending on the speaker, it could help clean up the mids.

So, essentially, it is dependent on the quality of the woofer. If you have a lesser quality bookshelf speaker, you could make up for SOME of it's deficiencies by crossing it over and adding a excellent sub. Thus leveling the playing field and bringing the $200, $400, $800, $1000 bookshelf speakers even closer in comparison.

Thanks for helping me clear that up in my head.

 

[silversurfer]

So, essentially, it is dependent on the quality of the woofer. If you have a lesser quality bookshelf speaker, you could make up for SOME of it's deficiencies by crossing it over and adding a excellent sub. Thus leveling the playing field and bringing the $200, $400, $800, $1000 bookshelf speakers even closer in comparison.

Absollutely. I would even say a good woofer would benefit, just may not make as much as a difference, or even be audible.