Neil Blanchard SS-CS5 Crossover

Description

This NB SS-CS5 kit is for the Series version crossover on page 7 of the pdf plans. The option is also given to substitute the inductor values with those of the crossover variant on page 9. Refer to your purchased plan for additional details. NB SS-CS5 plans

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

This design benefits from very low inductance values in the design, which allows for affordable inductors. The design calls for 14ga inductors. A downgrade option to 16ga is being offered ($11 savings) but is not recommended.

Recommendations:

Capacitors: Only two capacitors are used in this design. The smaller of the two capacitors offers the greatest cost efficiency in upgrading.  The larger value can reasonably be reduced to a “baseline” offering if budget is a priority.

Bypass Capacitors: Bypass caps are strongly recommended and are part of the intended design. Bypass capacitors provide a very affordable performance gain. The 0.1 uF bypass values suggested by the designer are currently offered from the Obbligato Copper Series. This is a high-quality, fast, clean, and resolving capacitor, representing a great value at $3.50 each x 2 pairs. An upgrade option to the Silver Series bypass is also offered (+$4)

Inductors: 14-gauge is called for by the designer. As you see in the designer’s plans, this series design allows the tweeter and woofer circuits to both benefit from the larger gauge inductors, which are each very affordable due to their low inductance values.

Resistors: We have kept it very simple here. High-Quality resistors are very affordable. We are providing a pair of GR Research branded 10 watt resistors ($4.00 each), to be placed in parallel, to accomplish the desired 20 watt resistance value on the tweeter, and a single 10 watt Dayton wirewound resistor is used in the woofer circuit. We don’t see a need for $30 or even $10 boutique versions in this design but if you have that desire, email us and we can modify a package for you.

Wiring: 15ft of each color is plenty for this bookshelf design. For those that may 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 the designs specifications. 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.