Realistic Nova 8b and Parts Express 3 Way Crossover?

[Stutheit]

I would love to do the VL crossover mod for these Nova 8b's, but as a noob I don't know if I have the ability to do so. I was perusing Parts Express and found this crossover that is made for a 3 way setup.

https://www.parts-express.com/speak...ZEljyopa_k-grTGNjP_KlyBBUjzKBXUgaApT4EALw_wcB

Would this work as an upgrade for the Nova 8bs? If so, would it be a good choice or am I still better off gathering up my savvy and trying the VL mod?

Thanks!

 

[swechsler]

In general, you shouldn't use a generic crossover, because they are designed with "ideal" 4Ω or 8Ω drivers in mind; that is, drivers that have the same impedance across their entire frequency range. Unfortunately, very few drivers behave that way. A crossover needs to be designed based on the impedance of the driver at the desired crossover point. So, for example, a woofer could be rated as 8Ω nominal impedance, but if you want to cross it over at 1000hz, it could be up to 12Ω by then, and the crossover calculation would be way different. Actually, to do it really correctly, rather than going by published parameters, you first install the driver in the cabinet, then measure its parameters, since they can change with the cabinet they're installed in. But I think very few hobbyists do this (I don't know how much impedance would change anyway).

Same goes for the other drivers in the cabinet. I'd go with the VL mod; I'm sure people here will be able to help you if you get stuck.

 

[Stutheit]

This was very helpful. Thank you. Time to start scheming for the VL mod... oh boy!

 

[Lavane]

 

[Stutheit]

For the VL mod, could I use something like this and then mount the crossover somewhere else in the speaker?

https://www.parts-express.com/crossover-pc-board-3-way-12-db-small-4-x-7--260-132