Klipsch RB-81 II replacement crossover kit

Description

We have started with a recommended “baseline” for components. You may select upgrades or downgrades based on your preferences.

Recommendations:

Capacitors:  Our “baseline” offering is from the JB, JSX Superior line, which offers tremendous value as do all of the JB capacitor lines. The premium upgrade offerings are from the Obbligato Copper and Silver Series.

There are two in-line capacitors in the tweeter circuit and both are worthy of upgrade and should be the first priority. If budget only allows upgrade of one capacitor then priority should be given to the smaller capacitor which is second in the circuit.

The woofer capacitor is in a shunt position and is a moderately large capacitance value. Multiple options are provided to allow you the flexibility of aligning with your budget preferences. Upgrading this capacitor should be third in line of priority, only after having fully upgraded the tweeter capacitors and increased the tweeter inductor to 16ga.

Bypass capacitors: Small 0.1 uF (Tweeter circuit) and 0.22 uF (Woofer circuit) are being offered These are high-quality, fast, clean, and resolving capacitors, representing a great value. With 2 capacitors in the tweeter circuit, the 1st larger capacitance value should receive bypass 1st, followed then by the smaller tweeter capacitor.

Bypass capacitors allow for faster discharge of the primary capacitor (faster response) and can improve sonic characteristics by incorporating a premium resolving capacitor which is comparatively low in cost due to the very small capacitance value.

Inductors: 16-gauge is proposed as a “baseline” for the woofer inductor but it really is already a premium inductor. 14-gauge is offered on the woofer as a top-tier upgrade but should not be viewed as “necessary”. For the more budget conscious an 18ga downgrade is also offered.

The tweeter inductor includes an 18-ga as “baseline”. The tweeter does not benefit as much from the larger-gauge wire as the woofer does, but the lower inductance does allow for low -cost upgrades if you choose that option.

Resistors: We have kept it very simple here. High-Quality resistors are very affordable. We are providing GR-Research branded 10-watt resistors ($4 each) for both resistors in this design. We don’t see a need for $30 boutique or even $10 versions in this design but if you feel that need, email us and we can modify a package for you.

Wiring: The design plans have the crossover mounted near the top rear of the cabinet. 15ft of each color is plenty for that mounting location. If you vary the plans to mount crossovers near the base, or want extra wire for another project, the 30ft wire option is also provided.  You may also purchase the kit without our wire.

We do think our wiring is the best value available. It is a premium wire without the traditional markups. We offer 16ga solid strand, high-purity OFC, Polyethylene insulator, made in the USA.  Wire details are here.

Crossover board and assembly options:

To further aid in your assembly, we are offering you empty crossover boards, already sized to accommodate the cabinet and the components (4″ x 6 3/4″). We use premium Baltic birch. It is an expensive material, and not everyone wants to buy a small $35 sheet when they only need much smaller pieces. Most people will cut their own from existing materials, but for those that want it provided, the pair of boards is $10.

Complete assembly of your crossover boards is also available. $160 assembly fee includes the crossover boards and all small incidentals (zip-ties, heat shrink as needed). Assembly is for the pair of crossovers only. Assembly capacity is limited, with a 3-week maximum turnaround time, and is only offered as an add-on. For details related to our assembly services, review this link.