ESB Audio 5.6K3 CX 3-Way Crossover (Pair)

ESB Audio 5.6K3 CX 3-way passive crossover (pair)

Main features

Passive crossovers are used in 2-way and 3-way speaker systems to electrically direct low frequencies to the woofer and high frequencies and overtones to the tweeter. For a passive crossover to perform its function uncompromisingly, it must be able to handle extreme dynamic variations, the entire audio frequency range, complex transients, and the varying impedance of the loudspeaker. ESB's passive crossovers are carefully designed to complement the precise characteristics of ESB speakers. Each crossover circuit directs the signal to the high- and low-frequency speakers in such a way that a smooth acoustic response is maintained across the entire audio spectrum. Naturally, such sophisticated design requires extremely precise tolerances in production. For example, ordinary crossovers often use electrolytic capacitors with a tolerance of +/- 20% and metal-core coils. The response in these crossover regions is uneven, and characteristics vary from unit to unit. All ESB crossovers, however, use only non-inductive polypropylene or Mylar dielectric capacitors (not electrolytic), individually tested to meet ESB's strict tolerances. The special coils used in ESB crossovers have very low loss, so no operating power from the speaker system is wasted in the crossover. To avoid interference between the coils, they are mounted with a 90° rotation. This arrangement cancels out interactions. All resistors used to match the levels of different speakers are of the non-inductive type and their power rating is considerably oversized. A switch on the output side allows the tweeter level to be adjusted with two options according to the tweeter's distance from the listener (and for the midrange in the 5.6K3 CX). Both input and output connections are robust, two-way audio connectors with locking screws. They accept cables up to 4.5 mm (6 AWG) thick. Not even the circuit board was left to chance. Thick copper traces limit signal loss.

Specifications

• Crossover frequencies: 900/3600 Hz
  
• Slope: 12 dB/Oct LP/HP, 6 dB/Oct BP Butterworth
  
• High frequency level: 0/-3 dB
  
• Mid frequency level: 0/-2 dB
  
• Low frequency section: 5.165
  
• Mid frequency section: 5.050
  
• High frequency section: 5.028
• Power handling: 300 W