High Pass Crossover Choices

[Somebody]

I have been researching this topic for quite some time and wanted some feedback on which high pass crossover option is best for the following set up.

I have an Alpine 9856 deck with absolutely no type of built in high pass or low pass filters and a Rockford Fosgate Punch 400a amp that has a fixed LP of 80hz and a fixed hp of 120hz. I have the subwoofer crossed over at 80hz and I tried the 120hz setting for the front speakers but the mid range was significantly cut.

The options I have considered are the bass blockers sold by outlets such as Crutchfield, but the lowest crossover point they carry is 150hz. They also carry F-MOD RCA filters, but I have read that these adapters are not the best choice. Parts Express carries some second order hp crossovers that have lower crossover points of 80hz. Lastly, I have deduced that I need a capacitor of 400-500uf to achieve a roughly 100-80hz crossover point.

Which of the above mentioned options, or others, would be the best choice, until I can replace the deck or the amp with a model offering variable crossover frequencies. My speakers are TS-C520prs components with a relatively inefficient sensitivity of 88db. I would like to preserve all possible amplifier power. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

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[helotaxi 5,000+ posts]

Just get an outboard crossover. You don't have to pay much at all to get a pretty good one.

 

[Somebody]

Thanks for the response. Would this be an active or passive? Most of the active seem to be in the price range, or close to that, of a new amp. Are you talking about something similar to the in line 2nd order crossovers available at Parts Express or something entirely different?

 

[helotaxi 5,000+ posts]

I got a NIB Coustic XM-6 off eBay for $50 shipped. That's a good 3-way. If you look around you should be able to find a good 2-way for less. Much less if you go with used.

 

[Somebody]

Thanks, I missed the electronic crossover option somehow. I will try to pick up one of these and a distribution block to tap into my power wire. Are there any brands that should be avoided for the electronic crossover?

 

[helotaxi 5,000+ posts]

Pretty much whatever you can find that will do what you need. You won't need a distro block really, a crossover will only need 16ga wire or so for power, only draws about an amp.