RF-60C Crossovers, do I really need them?

[TechSys 3]

O.k. here is the deal. I have 8 sets of SoundStream RF-60C component speakers (6" midwoofer, 25mm tweeter, and crossover). I just found out that I have 2 blown crossovers (so far). Being that each set has a rms power rating of 180watts, I thought I could get away with running 1 crossover per 4 midwoofers and 4 tweeters. This gives me a 1.7Ohm load. I was just told not to do that as the crossover will not handle the power. O.k. then, my next question goes here.

Since the amplifier that I will be using has a built in crossover, do I really need to use the crossovers that come with the components? I am pretty sure this can be done without a problem, but want to be sure. I know the crossover will give me more flexibility on fine tuning the sound, but will that be the only drawback?

As far as the amplifier I'll be using, I won't mention any brand, but.... it's overrated as hell. It IS .5ohm stable in stereo, which I have ran for quite some time (couple years) without a problem. The tweeters seem to have their own crossover in them also, but not sure.

And just to let you know, I will be sending the crossovers back to Soundstream for repair. This is no problem, but I know that might take a while. I've had these new door panels for about a month now and want to get them in the van now.

[Impious 1,476]

O.k. here is the deal. I have 8 sets of SoundStream RF-60C component speakers (6" midwoofer, 25mm tweeter, and crossover). I just found out that I have 2 blown crossovers (so far). Being that each set has a rms power rating of 180watts, I thought I could get away with running 1 crossover per 4 midwoofers and 4 tweeters. This gives me a 1.7Ohm load. I was just told not to do that as the crossover will not handle the power. O.k. then, my next question goes here.

You would not want to do that primarily because that would completely change the characteristics of the crossover. At minimum the crossover frequencies would change, but if there were other elements to the passive crossover design they would also be rendered useless and not function as intended. In short....there would be a drastic, undesirable change to the performance of the crossover and thus the sound.

Since the amplifier that I will be using has a built in crossover, do I really need to use the crossovers that come with the components?

Depends completely on the flexibility and features of the crossover and how many amplifier channels you have available. And since you gave us absolutely no information about the amplifier, crossover flexibility or features, number of amplifier channels available, etc......we aren't able to answer this question.

[TechSys 3]

O.k. Here is the amplifier specs. Like I say, over rated as hell.

RMS watts per channel @ 4ohm: 200x2 (probably 100x2)

RMS watts per channel @ 2ohm: 400x2 (might be 200x2)

RMS watts per channel @ 1ohm: 700x2 (maybe 350x2)

MAX watts per channel @ .5ohm: 1000x2 (hope it's 500x2)

Bridged power @ 4ohm: 2000x1 (more like 800x1)

Low Pass Crossover: 50-120Hz

High Pass Crossover: 120-720Hz

Freq. Response: 9Hz - 50Khz (+/- 3dB)

Ahh, hell. It's a Boss PD-2000. I only use it for mids and highs. Currently have it running 2 PowerBass L-6502x coaxials per channel, wired in parallel. I would never put this amp on subs of any type and kind of ashamed that I'm even running it anyway. I just can't justify (to my wife) getting another amp right now. This one was given to me a few years ago. I've been running it like it is since 2005 without any problems.

The current speakers are rated at 60wrms each. they are 3ohm each. I have them wired in parallel per channel to give a 1.5ohm load per channel.

The RF-60C specs. I was wrong on the impedance, they are 4ohm.

Power Handling (watts) 180

Magnet Weight 20oz

High Pass Filter 3.5kHz

Low Pass Filter 2.5kHz or 2.8kHz

Filter Slope 12dB LPF, 18dB HPF

Efficiency 90dB

Frequency Response 50-20kHz

Voice Coil Size 3"

Woofer Depth 2.625"

The crossovers are:

Crossover (Tweeter/Woofer)

2 Way Passive Network

18dB per Octave Crossover Output

4 Different Attenuation Points

Built In DC/Clip Protection

Selectable 6 or 12dB per Octave Crossover Output

Edited March 4, 2010 by TechSys

[///M5 2,833]

YES, you need to use all the crossovers. You cannot run them in parallel (or series rofl) as they would then not at all be designed for those drivers.

Lol, your probably might be high.

It is NOT 0.5ohm stable in stereo.

You really don't need that many components, many ways to skin that cat that are more effective.

[TechSys 3]

No I'm not high.. hehe

I guess I'll just run 2 per door and send the other 2 to SS for repair. Thanks

[///M5 2,833]

No I'm not high.. hehe

I think you misunderstood yourself...and me.

RMS watts per channel @ 4ohm: 200x2 (probably 100x2)

RMS watts per channel @ 2ohm: 400x2 (might be 200x2)

RMS watts per channel @ 1ohm: 700x2 (maybe 350x2)

MAX watts per channel @ .5ohm: 1000x2 (hope it's 500x2)

Lol, your probably might be high.

[Impious 1,476]

No, you can not use the amplifiers crossover to actively cross the drivers. You don't have enough amplifier channels, and even if you did that crossover doesn't extend high enough to crossover the tweeters. You must use the passive crossovers.

O.k. Here is the amplifier specs. Like I say, over rated as hell.

RMS watts per channel @ 4ohm: 200x2 (probably 100x2)

RMS watts per channel @ 2ohm: 400x2 (might be 200x2)

RMS watts per channel @ 1ohm: 700x2 (maybe 350x2)

MAX watts per channel @ .5ohm: 1000x2 (hope it's 500x2)

Bridged power @ 4ohm: 2000x1 (more like 800x1)

Low Pass Crossover: 50-120Hz

High Pass Crossover: 120-720Hz

Freq. Response: 9Hz - 50Khz (+/- 3dB)

Ahh, hell. It's a Boss PD-2000. I only use it for mids and highs. Currently have it running 2 PowerBass L-6502x coaxials per channel, wired in parallel. I would never put this amp on subs of any type and kind of ashamed that I'm even running it anyway. I just can't justify (to my wife) getting another amp right now. This one was given to me a few years ago. I've been running it like it is since 2005 without any problems.

The current speakers are rated at 60wrms each. they are 3ohm each. I have them wired in parallel per channel to give a 1.5ohm load per channel.

The RF-60C specs. I was wrong on the impedance, they are 4ohm.

Power Handling (watts) 180

Magnet Weight 20oz

High Pass Filter 3.5kHz

Low Pass Filter 2.5kHz or 2.8kHz

Filter Slope 12dB LPF, 18dB HPF

Efficiency 90dB

Frequency Response 50-20kHz

Voice Coil Size 3"

Woofer Depth 2.625"

The crossovers are:

Crossover (Tweeter/Woofer)

2 Way Passive Network

18dB per Octave Crossover Output

4 Different Attenuation Points

Built In DC/Clip Protection

Selectable 6 or 12dB per Octave Crossover Output

[TechSys 3]

Thanks. I am going to just run 2 sets per door (2 midwoofers, 2 tweeters and 2 crossovers) wired in parallel. That'll get them going. Will plug the other holes until I get the crossovers back from being fixed and a better amp for them. Not the best thing to do, especially when SBN is coming up. guess I won't be competing. Oh well, no problem.

And yea, I think I misunderstood.