Opinions and input requested regarding going active or using the passive crossovers that came with the components.

Focal 5 1/4 K2P's are the set. If I go active, I will be using the PXE-H650 processor from Alpine. The rep from Focal recommended using the crossovers rather than going active.

What say you......

 

I would use passive for the mid/tweeter, specially the K2P.. because some thought went into it from the manufacture, (llike the parts that were chosen to match the drivers and compensation network etc.) and use active for midbass and subbass.

 

i went with byamping my k2ps and when i get them done how i like them i will be happy but if you do not have time to play (i would stay with the passive )

 

Thanks for the input. I figured the answers mostly would be to stay passive.

Now..... I am also going to bi-amp using an extra set of crossovers I will be purchasing, and the reason for the extra set is focal crossovers only have 1 input, and I have 2 channels on my amp not being used. This way I can use 1 channel for each component and deliver maximum wattage to each.

Any other ideas on how I could utilize all 4 channels on my amp and use the 2 crossovers?? Or is an extra set the best option??

 

Bridge the amp?

You could always try active, and if you don't like it toss in the crossovers.

 

If you have the means to go active I would do it.... properly designed or not passive crossovers have many shortcomings and active will always be far superior.....

 

the cost you are looking at "i would get an EQ not a crossovers"

 

I don't profess to be real knowledgeable in this but will offer my experience.
When I first went active I was told buy the Quart rep that the QSD xover was as good as it could get... but I can tell you in my ears they sounded way better crossed over actively. Another side bonus was being able to down size some of the power. I ran the passives bi-amped with a 2x150 amp to the tweets that only needed a 2x75 to get as loud. I have since changed out many different speakers and the flexibility to tune each one the way you want is really worth going active for IMO

 

When I heard about all the benefits of an active system, my goal was to go active, but a few car audio reps almost convinced me to stay with the crossovers and told me that it would be difficult to duplicate the crossover capabilities, and that these crossovers are very hi-tech. They did not say it was impossible, just a better choice.

For now, I have to stay passive because the processor I want won't be available for at least another month, but after that...... I will be trying an active system to see if I have the patience and skill to make it happen. I have been searching the net for information on the focal speaker crossover points etc and have not had any luck. Any ideas or recommendations where to find the info or a good starting point?

Thanks for all of the comments and suggestions. Anyone else have comments or recommendations?

 

I was pretty worried that I would screw it all up when I first went active and it would be way over my head (I'm sure it is LOL) but with the Alpine processor it was really easy. As far as settings, I couldn't find any info on the Quarts either but it's something you just play with until you find what you like. There's no set rules really your speakers will tell you when you ask too much of them.