Bryston middle T looks like an impressive speaker. I think it would be a very worthy candidate for improvement. I've had quite a bit of experience with upgraded crossovers including redesigns by GR-Research and those experiences have all been positive.
I disagree respectfully with any concerns about decreased resale value. I've bought and sold many speakers and I've never seen a modified or updated speaker not be worth more. We aren't talking about artist collectibles, antique coins, or rare first edition books that have to be kept in original condition, with vintage patina. These are commercially produced, mass duplicated items. Their value is in their reputation, function, and physical condition. When you swap the speaker crossover for a newer redesigned or upgraded version you aren't canabalizing the original. It can be reconnected at any time, or it can even stay connected in stock position with the new crossover connected to a new and additional pair of binding posts. Use original crossover through original binding posts or use new crossover through new binding posts. Compare A to B, switching back and forth at your leisure. A redesigned or upgraded crossover is only value added.
Regarding warranty, that could be a valid concern but carefully look at warranty terms and consider even more strongly their reputation for support. Many are surprised by what warranty conditions are or how warranty issues are handled. Opening a speaker cabinet does not equal voiding of all warranties. Often each item is considered individually. If I open a cabinet to add bracing and I move some insulation around, that's not going to prevent me from getting warranty service on a capacitor that leaks on the crossover board. Manufacturer will ask for photo of board, they will send me new board or ask that I send the original board for repair. They don't care nor would they ever know that you altered the cabinet. The same is true for drivers etc. If you had to replace a tweeter or driver you aren't going to ship them the whole speaker cabinet. They might ask for some photos and description of the failure, or may even ask that the failed driver be shipped to them. They will then negotiate for repair or replacement of that driver. Maybe they swap it free, maybe they charge you $160 for the replacement driver.
Point is 1-It's not going to self-destruct because you modified it. 2- Very likely nobody would ever know of your modifications. 3- Even if they knew it often wouldn't matter. 4- The most important factor is the companies commitment to supporting their products, and your connection of an alternate crossover has very little to do with their warranty support. If the company gives poor support they will try to avoid helping you no matter what. If the company gives great support they will try to help you no matter what.
I can't answer those questions for you, its very company specific but don't be feared into thinking that speakers are some magic golden egg and once you crack the shell the warranty is voided. That simply isn't how it plays out in reality. I've seen plenty of factory original speakers get no warranty support because they determine failure is use related and not a manufacturers defect. I've seen modified speakers that do get warranty support, because the company supports their product. That is much more dependent upon the practices of the company, and not if you modify it or not. Just my 2 cents for consideration. Im not going to argue with anyone over these things, I'm just sharing my experiences. You can hear both sides and make your own decision.
Internet forums are full of parrots. Someone heard someone else say that opening your speakers will void warranty and so they repeat it. My experience is its not that simple and that warranties are often worthless, but never worth more than then the companies desire to support their customers.
Good luck with the decision.
Elon
Elon@ezeescrossovers.com
