Neil Blanchard 4T4 Crossover

Description

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

This design benefits from low capacitance and inductance values in the design, which allows for very affordable components.

Recommendations:

Capacitors: Slight Priority is on capacitor 1 for the tweeter. If budget is limited, upgrade at least Capacitor 1. Capacitor 2 is also a low value, and at least the mid-tier option is recommended.

Inductors: 16-gauge is proposed as a “minimum” for this design. 14-gauge is the recommendation. 18-gauge is not recommended since the trade-offs are not worth the additional $9 it would save. As you see in the designers plans, this series design allows the tweeter and woofer circuits to both benefit from the larger gauge inductors.

Resistors: We have kept it very simple here. High-Quality resistors are very affordable. We are providing Dayton Precision 20 watt ($6.20 each) for the larger resistance value, and a pair of 10 Watt GR-Research 10 watt (20 watt total, $8 pair) for the smaller value. We don’t see a need for $30 boutique versions in this design but if you feel that need, email us and we can modify a package for you.

Bypass capacitors: The 0.01 uF bypass values suggested by the designer are currently offered from the Obbligato Silver Series and an additional option will be offered as additional product lines arrive (pending from manufacturer). This is a high-quality, fast, clean, and resolving capacitor, representing a great value at $3.50 each x 2 pairs.

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 may 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 purchase the kit without our wire.

We do think our wiring is the best value available. Premium wire without the traditional markups. Both versions are very similar, 16ga solid strand, high-purity OFC, Polyethylene insulator.  The “unbranded” is imported, the “Premium USA” version is not. Wire details are here.

Crossover boards & assembly option

As a convenience we are offering you empty crossover boards, already sized to the designs specifications (4″ x 6 3/4″). We use premium baltic birch. It is an expensive material, and not everyone wants to buy a small $30 sheet when they only need much smaller pieces. Price is $10 for the pair of custom sized boards.

Complete assembly of your crossover boards is available. A $160 assembly fee includes the the assembly labor, crossover boards, and all small incidentals (zip-ties, heat shrink as needed). That fee is in addition to the price of components that you select. 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.