crossover installation
The system supports conventional wiring, Bi-wiring or Bi-amping using the supplied passive crossovers.
While conventional (parallel mode) wiring will provide excellent sound, bi-wiring or bi-amping may further
enhance the performance in no-compromise systems.
Bi-wiring uses a separate pair of speaker wires for the high frequency and low frequency signal between
an amplifier channel and its associated crossover network. This gives you the option of choosing wire
which may have slightly different sonic characteristics in order to optimize performance of each frequency
range. Also, it reduces the overall wiring resistance between the crossover and amplifier, much like the
use of larger gauge wire. This option provides the most benefit when the crossover network is mounted
a long distance away from the amplifier. If the crossover is mounted close to the amplifier it is doubtful
that there will be an appreciable difference between bi-wiring and conventional wiring.
Bi-amping uses a separate amplifier channel for the high-frequency and low-frequency sections, instead
of the single amplifier channel used in conventional and bi-wired connections. Bi-amping provides the
additional advantage of allowing use of the amplifier's level controls to provide an additional level of fine-
tuning not possible with the tweeter-level switch alone. In addition, at high power levels, a bi-amplified
connection can help protect the tweeter from amplifier clipping, which is more likely to occur on channels
driving the midrange. When bi-amping using the passive crossovers, the midrange low-pass filter and
tweeter high-pass filter on the amplifier or external active crossover should be bypassed.
Carefully route the wires from the woofer and tweeter to the crossover mounting location. The crossover
installation location should be reasonably accessible to allow easy connection of the wires and adjustment
of the internal switches. If the crossover must be mounted in an inaccessible location make the speaker
wire connections and adjustments before final installation. Be sure the installation location has adequate
clearance to allow the removal and replacement of the cover. Mounting the crossover requires removing
the top cover of its housing. Grasp the top cover at the front and back. Compress the cover slightly in the
center and lift it off the bottom of the housing. Mounting the crossover requires four holes in a
rectangular pattern 2 13/16" x 4 1/4" (7.14 cm x 10.8 cm) on a flat surface. Use the crossover as a
template for drilling the mounting holes.
Align the mounting holes in the bottom half of the crossover unit with the holes you have drilled at the
installation site. Pass the four #6 x 1 1/4" screws through the holes in the crossover unit, and tighten them
until the assembly is firmly in place. As before, do not over-tighten; this is especially important if the
mounting surface is not perfectly flat.
After all the connections and any necessary adjustments have been made snap the cover back in place.
connecting the system
Trim the speaker wire as needed. Strip about 1/4" (6 mm) of the insulation from the ends. Twist the
exposed strands thoroughly to prevent any loose strands from causing a short circuit. You may also "tin"
the wire with a soldering iron. The wires attach to a removable connector which in its assembled position
has the screws facing the bottom of the crossover. Insert the prepared wire into the appropriate location
(see diagram or refer to the crossover circuit board) in the connector strip and tighten the screws to secure
the wires in place. Be sure to note the polarity marking on the circuit board.
9
