So Im about to change my factory speakers to a 2-way component set.

Right now, I will be running passive (HU->crossover from components->woofer/tweeter) but in the future, I plan on adding a Sundown 100.4D

Will this be right? HU->Amplifier->Crossover from components->woofer/tweeter)

Also, is this considered active?

The reason why I ask is because I plan on buying Morel Hybrid Ovation II components, and the dealer Im getting it from told me they put a lot of work in the crossovers. At that price, I wouldn't like to put those crossovers in a box in the closet, but I wont use them if you guys tell me its better not to have them if there is an amplifier already.

Also, if I was to do a 3-way component set, would it still be better to have the crossover after the amplifier or not? The owner of the shop has HU->amplifier->crossover->woofer/midrange/tweeter. I guess that is his only option so he can save money and not have to get a 6-channel amp or two amps for each door.

Active is when you run an electronic crossover instead of passive!

Hu>Amp>passive crossover>mid-tweeter is how it will be when you use the passive crossover.

Its passive if you use the crossovers. It active if you don't use them. So to answer the question... No your future install would still be passive as you are still using the crossovers. That is the correct way to wire it if you get an amp and want to run passive. Active is the same thing just without the crossover.

In an "active" setup, you'd need an amp/channel for each set of drivers. The crossover section of the amps would be bypassed. Keep in mind that an electronic crossover isn't actually "active", it's just a name that we gave it over time.

(3 way "active") = HU > electronic crossover > Low pass to Sub amp > mid (bandpass?) to mid amp > hi pass to tweeter amp.

(2 way "active") = HU > electronic crossover > Low pass to sub amp > hi pass to full range amp > "passive" crossover - lows to mid bass drivers - hi pass to tweeters.

Alot of amps have built-in crossovers. Most have a set of RCA outputs that you can use to send hi pass signal from your sub amp directly to your full range amp. If you have a deck with only one set of RCA outs, life just got easier for you.

I hope this helps.

Edited September 11, 201015 yr by magicguyken

I see

Ok now that I know the exact definition, what do you guys recommend?

Like I said, this Morel 2-way components that Im going to get are pretty expensive and I dont know if by the time I get my amplifier I should leave aside the crossovers or not. At least the owner of the shop didnt remove them, but he didnt cause he has a 3-way component, he doesnt want to use more than 1 amplifier for his front doors.

And forgot to ask

For a 3-way front component set, you HAVE to use more than 1 amplifier right? (unless its a 6 channel one)

What 6 channel amp do you recommend for a 3 way component set?

I'm assuming your question is specifically regarding active?

The Zed Leviathan would be a very solid option for a 6-channel amp to run 3-way active. Most other 6-channels on the market offer pretty measly power output @ 4ohm per channel.

The other option ofcourse is to just run more than one amplifier.

On the mention of the ZED amp, we (SSA Store) might be doing a group buy shortly, so that would save you a few bucks.