Passive monitors, switching, and crossover

[numrologst]

I am trying to figure out my new monitor situation. I am probably making this too complex, but let me know if something like this would work. I've never used anything more than passive 2-way speakers, so I am not sure exactly what to do on the crossover.

This is the setup I am trying to achieve.

Source---Avocet---Bryston 4b-----Adam S5 Mains
----------------------------------------Dynaudio M1 midfields
----------------------------------------Pro AC Studio 100 nearfields

Obviously I will have some sort of speaker level switcher going between the bryston and monitors. I've found a few from previous threads, but I still haven't seen a rackmount speaker level switcher.

I am also curious as to how to work the crossover into the equation.

[ImJohn]

I'm not familiar with the Avocet but this is my setup for what it's worth:

Lavry Blue DA out -> Coleman M3PH -> :
------> Crown D75A amp -> Aventone Cubes
------> Bryston 10B crossover -> Adcom amps -> PCM speakers (DB1+ and XB1A)
------> Dynaudio BM15a

I don't think you'd want to 'share' the crossover between different speakers. I'd think switching your DA output between different crossover/amp/speaker sets would be best.

[numrologst]

That was what I was trying to avoid. I was hoping I could figure out someway to have 1 crossover, 1 amp, 3 sets of passive speakers.

[Chrome Dome]

Originally Posted by numrologst

I am trying to figure out my new monitor situation. I am probably making this too complex, but let me know if something like this would work. I've never used anything more than passive 2-way speakers, so I am not sure exactly what to do on the crossover.

This is the setup I am trying to achieve.

Source---Avocet---Bryston 4b-----Adam S5 Mains
----------------------------------------Dynaudio M1 midfields
----------------------------------------Pro AC Studio 100 nearfields

Obviously I will have some sort of speaker level switcher going between the bryston and monitors. I've found a few from previous threads, but I still haven't seen a rackmount speaker level switcher.

I am also curious as to how to work the crossover into the equation.

Do you want to use a passive xover or active. If you're concerned about your gear being rack mounted, I'd go with an active. Would let you tweak the system more too.

[numrologst]

Yeah, I was thinking of going with an active crossover.

Main point I am still waiting on 100% resolution is whether or not I can use 1 crossover for 3 different sets of speakers.

[ImJohn]

Originally Posted by numrologst

Yeah, I was thinking of going with an active crossover.

Main point I am still waiting on 100% resolution is whether or not I can use 1 crossover for 3 different sets of speakers.

I think the only way you could do that would be with an active cross over with stepped adjustments and then everytime you switch speakers you'd have to reset the crossover for the particular speakers you are on. Doesnt sound very efficient or fun!

I guess if all of your speakers were the same you could do it, like if you were switching between sets in different rooms.

[dementedchord]

if you're going to insist on trying this perhaps a dbx drive rack would be a good way to go... you could store paramaters for each set of speakers that way and not have to dial in the crossover every time you switch...