What is cascading crossovers?

Question

What is cascading crossovers?

Answer 1

It's a crossover in both the preamp and the sub. Cascading crossovers cause a number of problems, possible large DB loss in bass level. Using your processor/receiver's crossover to filter out unwanted frequencies before sending the signal to your sub, you don't want to use the sub's built-in crossover on top of that (cascading crossovers).  If your sub has a LFE bypass input, it is recommended to use this input instead of normal low-level inputs. The LFE bypass will bypass the sub's built-in crossover.

The bottom line is, avoid cascading crossovers.

Answer 2

When two crossover circuits are both active on the same speaker ... an undesirable situation that can give erratic results.  This is particularly likely with a subwoofer with a variable crossover hooked to a receiver with active bass management. See the article (3rd last paragraph).