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Could one build one of the better DIY 2-ways but then just use a MiniDSP unit to handle the crossover and any EQ, plus 4 channels of amplification? That would afford a lot of flexibility and avoid having to do windings and boards.
Yes very much so. I have a friend who'd done just that, using an oldish analogue Pro crossover, and I've effectively done that by converting my B&W 801s to active, using a Behringer DCX2496 and DEQ2496.
It will work well, and you'll learn a lot about loudspeaker design.
I do the same thing with a MiniDSP 4x10 to run home built 3-way speakers + 3 subs. Assuming you know the specs of the drivers you are going to use in your project working out a decent XO is really pretty simple.
But I see in your signature you already have a MiniDSP 4x10. What do you use that for? Look at their website, there's all kinds of how-to guides for doing this.
Right, I built Linkwitz LXmini's, which got me to thinking, if I already have some 3rd party's 2-way box design, could I not adapt any of those for use with an outboard unit like the MiniDSP 4x10? Seemed like a no-brainer, but then I wonder why it's not more widely done. I mean, avoiding a passive crossover gets rid of so many limitations of traditional passive speakers.
It can definitely be done, but you'd want to either have or be able to take reliable raw measurements of the drivers in the specific box. Good passive crossovers are never as simple as just a textbook X order low-pass and high-pass, they also account for peculiarities of the drivers mounted in the specific box/baffle (most importantly, baffle step and the drivers' relative acoustic centres). Assuming you can do that, it's an excellent idea.