AL-5 crossover - is it so good?

[Mariusz_]

I can hardly find anything about replacing AL-5 XO in LaScala 2. 

Do people really like this crossover or do they not want to unscrew cabinets of LS2?

 

I did it and made myself XO based on ALK Universal schematics and differences are clear. But I also would not dare too choose the winner. My "universal" is more clear and open, more "live", but stereo imaging is worse comparing to AL-5 (probably a question of gentle and steeper slope respectively). AL-5 is a bit slower and calm at mid and high-range sounding less "live". AL-5 bass is stronger a bit.

I wish I could have the best features of them in one XO :-)

 

Anyone could share an own experience?

 

Mariusz

[moray james]

you might consider repositioning your speakers a little bit to adjust for the different crossovers, what position images best for one will not likely suit the other. Same often holds true for swapping components you will most ofter need minor placement adjustments. Good luck and best regards Moray James.

[Mariusz_]

Stereo imaging actually is good, but I noticed narrower sweet spot.

 

I also measured frequency response of speakers changing crossovers from AL-5 to universal. The outcomes were for sure biased by room acoustic and microphone quality, but on the charts differences have been clear during many trials.

The universal is constantly louder by 3db from 2000 to 3000 hz and at 3300+/- 100 hz the difference peaks to 10db (AL-5 goes down, the universal goes up) . And while measuring single drivers one can see different sloppiness of filters. 

MAriusz