[kchilaka]

Folks,
I am looking at finding a HT Receiver that can work in the following configuration for two channel audio. Essentially I am trying to use the internal digital crossover of a HT receiver to power my set of DIY speakers which do-not have a passive crossover.

What I am trying to do is use a Receiver to power a stereo setup (Two Speakers, Left + Right) where each speaker has two independently connectable sets of terminals. That is there is no passive crossover between the Satellite (Tweets + mid) Section and Woofer section of the speakers. I have considered two approaches to accomplish this.

1. Using the dual sub-woofer outputs of a 7.2 Receiver to feed an external 2-channel amp that powers the woofer sections. This approach would work great if the Subwoofer outputs of ANY HT Receiver are TRUE STEREO subwoofer outputs. Does anyone know of a receiver in which this is the case? Before someone jumps in with a comment that low-frequency sound is not very directional, I do understand that. I am planning to use a rather high subwoofer crossover of 120hz or so and having superior stereo imaging is paramount for me. If I cant find a receiver that does not have true stereo subwoofer outputs, this approach will fail.

2. The second approach is to use the assignable bi-amp configuration of a HT-Receiver. This way I can assign 4 amp-sections to each of the 4-components of my speakers (Left,Right Satellites and Left-Right Woofers). Are there any receivers that let me specify a crossover between the bi-amp channels? If that is not the case, this approach is a failure as well.

Essentially, I want to use a receiver as a fancy electronic cross-over plus amp . Is this possible in any receiver? High-end or not? How about a dedicated HT Preamp? If not, I have no choice but to buy three components.

A Pre-amp, Active crossover and a multi-channel amp.

Thanks for reading.. Any inputs would be appreciated...

[WC]

To do 1 you would be looking at the top end AVR from most manufacturers. While they may give two subwoofer outputs and the may be independent of each other, I don't think they are stereo.

For number 2 I don't think the AVR will let you set separate crossovers while biamping. What may work is if you set the AVR to multi-Channel stereo as your surround mode. In multi channel stereo mode the surrounds see the same outputs as the main left and right speakers. You could set separate crossovers for each output or pair of outputs, depending of the AVR.

[Russtafarian]

You can do this with music software like Amarra or Pure Music, but not with a HT Receiver or Processor.

Another potential option is using a HT reciever's second zone preout into an electronic crossover then back into the multichannel analog inputs of the receiver. 

Russ

[Mr Peabody]

You are making this too difficult.  You said you just want stereo, correct?  First, here's the answer, the Emotiva USP-1 stereo preamp with built in crossover and dual outputs.  Of course, you would still have to find some amplification.  Adcom are good and very cheap on the used market.  By the time you pay for a HT receiver that will allow you to do what you want you should just get a stereo preamp separate crossover and a couple amps or a multichannel amp.  I could give more recommendations depending on your budget.

Something else to look for to use as a crossover if not getting the USP-1 would be the Audio Control Phase Coupled Activator.  This has a built in electronic crossover as well as being able to boost very low frequencies.

You could easily put this together on a budget going the used route, just depends on budget and the type of quality you are shooting for.  I don't see many electronic crossovers on the used market but visit your local musical instrument store that sells DJ gear and you should find what you need or there are several sources online for that type of stuff.  In fact, you could find some cheap amps as well, like from Audio Source.