Crossovers

[Mudcat]

While recently perusing a chain stores selection of speakers, I came across this term when discussing the crossover network:

"Straight Line Signal Path"

Is this what I think it is, in that there is no crossover network but a capacitor or inductor connected directly in line between the "speakers" connectors and the tweeter, mid/woofer (it was a 2-way)? Or worse, directly connected with no electronics at all?

If so, how bad is this, the speakers were rather pricey, but with those obnoxious spring loaded spealer clips. Ok now, guess the store and the speaker brand (based on my previous bashings).

P.S. Not that I was actually interested in purchasing anything BTW.

 

[Unregistered]

JBL by any chance?

I think it is just marketing speak for "our cross overs are as efficient as possible"

 

[Westrock2000]

the speakers were rather pricey, but with those obnoxious spring loaded spealer clips.

Just turn around and run, and don't ever look back. Those are the worst (mechanically) connectors on speakers, even a screw that goes though a nut would be better than those. Any company that uses those and charges alot for there speakers has priorities that aren't aligned with audio.

As far as "straight line signal path", sounds like marketing. A lone capacitor or inductor is OK, but it needs to go in specific applications where high bandwidth drivers are used. Not cheap OEM type (I'm not sure which brand your refering to), or drivers with other wise limiting frequency responses. Even so inductors and capacitors (two lines to be specific) aren't "straight", there "curly"

Don't be afraid of crossovers, there not as bad as audiophiles make them out to be