Subwoofer crossover
The subwoofer crossover splits your audio signal - sends low frequencies (typically below 80 Hz) to the sub, and everything above to your main speakers. Set correctly, it integrates the sub seamlessly. Set wrong, you get bloated or thin bass.
The subwoofer crossover is a low-pass filter for the subwoofer (LPF) plus a high-pass filter (HPF) for the main speakers. Typically set at 60-100 Hz depending on speaker capability.
How to set the crossover
- Check your main speaker’s -3 dB point (usually in the specs)
- Set the sub crossover about 20 Hz above that point
- Small bookshelves (5-inch woofer): crossover ~80 Hz
- Larger bookshelves (6.5-inch): crossover ~60-70 Hz
- Towers: crossover 40-60 Hz (or run mains full-range)
Where the crossover lives
- Inside the subwoofer (LPF built into sub)
- Inside an AVR/preamp/streamer (bass management)
- In DSP software (Roon, Dirac Live)
Budget hi-fi caveat
The AIYIMA A80‘s AUX output is full-range – no built-in crossover. Your subwoofer must have its own low-pass filter (most powered subs do). Better bass management comes from a DSP-capable streamer like the Fosi Audio S3 + WiiM Ultra combo.
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