[Jethrojp]

I'm building my first set of DIY speakers. I decided to go with the Veritas designed by Waynej. In looking at the crossovers though I'm not sure if I like some of the components he specified. (E.G. 16 awg inductors) I'm thinking of upgrading the components that I don't like. Can I do this without negatively affecting the sound as long as I keep all of the values the same on the components?

[mgalusha]

If you replace the inductors make sure the replacements have the same DCR (DC resistance) or you will change the balance of the speaker.

An example. Erse 16G "Super Q" inductor, 2.00mH, DCR is .143 ohms. This has a steel core. An Erse 14G air core, 2.00mH has a DCR of .310 ohms. Just over double the resistance yet using larger wire... This is because of the air core vs steel core.

Mike

[Jethrojp]

Is changing the dcr to a lower value just as bad as changing the dcr to a larger value? e.g .22mH 16 awg inductor with a dcr of .15 to a .22mH 12 awg inductor with a dcr of .09

[markC]

In a word- Yes. You are still changing the balance; just in the other direction. Capacitors and resistors are fair game, but I'd stick the specified inductors.

[Kevin Haskins]

These guys have it covered.   The inductors really need to have the same DCR.   I know everyone thinks you have to use MASSIVE air core inductors.   Its just simply not always true.    I sometimes use the highish DCR of an inductor to achieve a goal in the design.   Often that is in parallel networks but sometime even in series networks with the woofers.      If you replaced some of the inductors in my designs with those having a much lower DCR with the intention of "improving" the design, you may end up going in the opposite direction.   

I put a lot of effort into crossover design and I'll be a little arrogant and say your not likely to make an improvement with a shot in the dark.   For my designs cost is not really an object.   I don't use parts because they are cheap, I use them because I think they are the right part for the task.   

[kyrill]

so if i   measure the original inductor's dcr and use the difference with the new inductor as a value for an added resistor in series, will that R compensate for the difference if the new inductor had a lower dcr?

if that is a valid approach, what can i do when the new inductor has a bigger dcr value?