The received wisdom on ASR seems to be that you should always have some form of a cross-over between your mains and your subs. However, is this really always true? Does it matter, for example, on whether you have a pair of 2-way bookshelves versus large 3-way floor standers? Is it more relevant for active systems versus passive systems? Does it make a different whether or not you are using DRC?
I have an RME DAC feeding my integrated amp. My passive speakers are connected in the normal way and I use the pre-outs on my amp to feed my subs. I have tried putting a MiniDSP 2x4 (not HD) in between the DAC and the amp, but I took it out as it introduced a buzz into the system. When I removed it, I did not notice any degradation in the sound quality, but I have fairly indiscriminate ears.
One of the main benefits of high passing your mains is that it will result in lower LF distortion. However, Erin’s recent review of the Dutch * Dutch 8Cs showed that they have significant LF distortion and yet it did not seem to be an issue for his (or anyone else’s) listening test. Therefore, is LF distortion really an issue that we should be concerned about?
https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/dutch-dutch-8c-review.21016/post-696724
The other stated advantage is that it will relieve your amp from having to deliver the significant power that your mains require to deliver LF content. However, if your amp is sufficiently powered, again, to what extent is this a real problem?
On the other side, if you are running your mains full range then you will have multiple bass sources that could (should?) help with room correction. It also means, in the case of a passive system at least, avoiding the introduction of another component with the potential of adding distortion, ground loops, etc.
Anyway, I am curious as to the views of the community here. I assume that I am missing something important when I think about this.
I have an RME DAC feeding my integrated amp. My passive speakers are connected in the normal way and I use the pre-outs on my amp to feed my subs. I have tried putting a MiniDSP 2x4 (not HD) in between the DAC and the amp, but I took it out as it introduced a buzz into the system. When I removed it, I did not notice any degradation in the sound quality, but I have fairly indiscriminate ears.
One of the main benefits of high passing your mains is that it will result in lower LF distortion. However, Erin’s recent review of the Dutch * Dutch 8Cs showed that they have significant LF distortion and yet it did not seem to be an issue for his (or anyone else’s) listening test. Therefore, is LF distortion really an issue that we should be concerned about?
https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/dutch-dutch-8c-review.21016/post-696724
The other stated advantage is that it will relieve your amp from having to deliver the significant power that your mains require to deliver LF content. However, if your amp is sufficiently powered, again, to what extent is this a real problem?
On the other side, if you are running your mains full range then you will have multiple bass sources that could (should?) help with room correction. It also means, in the case of a passive system at least, avoiding the introduction of another component with the potential of adding distortion, ground loops, etc.
Anyway, I am curious as to the views of the community here. I assume that I am missing something important when I think about this.