Klipsch Cornwall I, B-2 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” offerings are from the JB JFX and JSX Superior line, which offer tremendous value. The premium offerings are from the Obbligato Copper and Silver Series or ClarityCap CSA.

There are two small in-line capacitors (tweeter and mid circuits). Both are worthy of an upgrade and should be the priority. If the budget only allows for one upgrade, then priority should be given to these two smaller capacitors, starting first with the Tweeter. For those two upgrades, I would recommend upgrading to at least the level of the Obbligato Copper series, but the other options are available to align with your budget preferences. The low capacitance values provide a unique opportunity to enter into truly premium components, at unusually low prices (compared to purchasing the same grade of capacitors in higher capacitance values).

The woofer capacitor is in a shunt position and is a comparatively larger capacitance value. The impact of upgrades on this capacitor would be insignificant compared to the cost. Adding a bypass capacitor to this component would be a very cost effective option and will allow for faster discharge and response from this capacitor, so that option is offered.

Note: The two smaller capacitors are originally labeled as 2uF and 3uF which are less-common values amongst many premium product lines. The more common 2.2uF and 3.3uF values are offered in their place in those product lines. This small variance is very acceptable, and is well within manufacturer tolerances. The provided capacitors will be measured and paired to ensure they are as close to the stated 2uF and 3uF as is available. In actual practice, a 2.2uF substitution that is measured and selected for being within its lower capacitance range is very likely to measure closer to the stated and desired value than the original budget 2.0 that is seen to frequently measure as high as 2.3 or 2.4.

Bypass capacitors: Small 0.1 uF bypass capacitors are offered as default for the woofer capacitor. Options are offered from the Obbligato Copper and Silver Series . These are high-quality, fast, clean, and resolving capacitors, representing a great value at $3.50 each for the Copper Series and $4.50 each for the Silver Series. You may remove this option, accept the default of 1 pair (woofer only, 0.1uF bypass), or add an additional 2 pairs for the tweeter and mid circuit capacitors (0.01uF).

Inductors: There are 2 standard inductors in this design. Replacement is not necessary, but there are improvements to be gained by replacing. Replacing the original iron-core woofer inductor with a larger gauge aircore inductor will provide the greatest improvement. A 16-gauge aircore is the recommendation and would provide the highest performance to cost ratio. 18-ga and 14-ga options are also available to accommodate your specific budget preferences. Replacement of the Tweeter inductor is lower in priority but due to it’s much smaller size (lower inductance value) it’s replacement is very affordable comparatively.

Wiring: These are fairly large speaker cabinets. 20ft of each color is plenty for a clean install with all new internal wiring. For those with additional projects planned, 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. 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 appropriately for the size of components and cabinet. We use premium baltic birch. It is an expensive material, and not everyone wants to buy a small $35 sheet when they only need small pieces. Price is $15 for the pairs 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), as well as the additional shipping costs associated with the assembled boards (size & weight).  Assembly capacity is limited, with a 2-week maximum turnaround time, and is only offered as an add-on. For details related to our assembly services, review this link.