80Hz crossover is the most common crossover frequency recommendation for home theater and audiophile systems. It is also the THX standard. There are several reasons why 80Hz is considered to be the best crossover frequency:
- Human hearing: Most people cannot localize bass frequencies below 80Hz. This means that they cannot tell where the bass is coming from. This is because bass frequencies have a longer wavelength than higher frequencies, and our ears are not very good at detecting the direction of long wavelengths. By setting the crossover frequency at 80Hz, all of the bass frequencies are sent to the subwoofer, which can be placed in an optimal location for bass reproduction.
- Speaker capabilities: Most main speakers are not designed to reproduce frequencies below 80Hz very well. This is because it takes a lot of power to produce low bass frequencies, and most main speakers are not equipped with powerful enough woofers to do this effectively. By setting the crossover frequency at 80Hz, the main speakers are relieved of the burden of reproducing low bass frequencies, which allows them to focus on reproducing the midrange and treble frequencies more accurately.
- Subwoofer performance: Subwoofers are specifically designed to reproduce low bass frequencies. They typically have large woofers and powerful amplifiers that allow them to produce deep bass with good output and low distortion. By setting the crossover frequency at 80Hz, the subwoofer can be used to its full potential, resulting in the best possible bass performance.
In addition to these general benefits, there are also some specific advantages to using an 80Hz crossover in home theater and audiophile systems:
- Home theater: In home theater systems, an 80Hz crossover helps to create a more seamless and immersive soundstage. When all of the bass frequencies are coming from the subwoofer, it is easier to create a soundscape that envelops the listener. This is especially important for movies and TV shows with a lot of action and special effects.
- Audiophile systems: In audiophile systems, an 80Hz crossover can help to improve the overall sound quality of the system. By relieving the main speakers of the burden of reproducing low bass frequencies, the main speakers can focus on reproducing the midrange and treble frequencies more accurately. This can result in a more transparent and detailed soundstage.
Of course, 80Hz is not the perfect crossover frequency for every system. There are some cases where it may be better to use a different crossover frequency. For example, if you have a pair of main speakers that are capable of reproducing low bass frequencies very well, you may want to use a lower crossover frequency. However, for most systems, 80Hz is a great starting point.
Here are some additional tips for setting up your crossover frequency:
- Experiment with different crossover frequencies to see what sounds best to you. There is no one-size-fits-all answer.
- Use a subwoofer level adjustment to ensure that the subwoofer is blended well with the main speakers.
- If you have a room correction system, such as Audyssey or Dirac, use it to calibrate the crossover frequency and subwoofer level.
With a little bit of experimentation, you can find the perfect crossover frequency for your system to achieve the best possible sound quality.
