Crossover Frequency?

Question

I have an Onkyo 601 with a 6.1 speaker set-up.

What is the crossover option in my set-up menu?

Choices are 60Hz 80Hz 100Hz and 120 I think.

Technical answers with explanations would be kindly appreciated.

Thank You

Answer 1

This is the point where the speakers will "hand off" their signal to the subwoofer.

It works something like this. In a receiver you have a filter whose purpose is to stop frequencies from being played through speakers that can not play them and send them to a subwoofer who can. This point is configurable depending on what speakers you have and what point is more ideal for your room.

It is important to note that this point is not a hard cut-off. The signal will slowly be attenuated to the speaker starting a bit ABOVE the crossover point and be commonly -3dB down at the crossover point. This means that if you set the crossover to 60 Hz. Both the subwoofer and speaker would play 60 Hz at -3dB the typical volume. From there if you go lower you will find the subwoofer receives more and more of the other speakers signal. If you go above the crossover point, the speaker will maintain most of its signal.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Linkw...

That is a good diagram of what's going on here.

Just keep in mind that it's purpose is to allow your entire system to play at a flat frequency response. This point should typically be set to a bit higher than the -3dB point of your speakers for proper summing. If you don't know the -3dB point of your speakers, you can make an educated guess depending on how large your speakers are, or you can measure via a SPL meter. The choice is up to you. Hope this helps.

Answer 2

The crossover setting you are wondering about is the bandpass for the LFE channel. It is going to greatly depend on the speakers and not is not setting specific. You need to set the bandpass to the closest to the high end of your subs frequency response. This is also going to greatly depend on your speaker hook up , and may only apply to a line level hook up.

Please provide the exact model numbers of what you have and its hook up. ONLY then can a correct recommendation be made on settings.

Answer 3

The crossover settings is to select a frequency range (Bass) that will go to main speakers and below that point it goes to subwoofer, so if you have small speaker that can't handle much bass without distort you should setup the crossover to higher as possible or if your subwoofer is not so good is better share the bass with the mains speakers.

Answer 4

THX suggests a crossover setting of 80Hz with all speakers set to “Small” – much research on their part went into developing this recommendation.  However, most home theater-in-a-box systems with very small 3” – 4” driver-equipped speakers will probably need to have the crossover set at 100Hz or 120Hz.

I'd suggest to set it at 80Hz.

I'll give you a few links with some good info.