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Why Does the REFSQ63 Come With a 2-Way Crossover?Updated 3 days ago

Why does the REFSQ63 come with a 2-Way Crossover if it's a 3-Way component set?

At first glance, it may seem confusing that the B2 Audio REFSQ63 3-Way Component Set comes with a 2-Way bi-amp crossover. Let’s break down why this design choice was made and how it benefits your system setup.

Bi-Amp 2-Way Crossover Explained

The included crossover allows you to run the woofer and tweeter on separate dedicated amplifier channels. This is a popular choice among SQ (sound quality) enthusiasts because it can provide improved clarity, detail, and control compared to a traditional single-channel passive setup.

Why Not a 3-Way Passive Crossover?

A true 3-way passive crossover would require three amplifier channels per side, meaning a 6-channel amplifier with identical circuit design across all channels. This adds cost, complexity, and potential confusion for the majority of users. Instead, our 2-way design delivers flexibility without forcing you into a large and specialized amplifier setup.

Flexible System Options

  • 2-Way Passive Setup: Run one channel for the woofer and one for the tweeter per side.
  • Hybrid Passive/Active Setup: Use the crossover for woofer + tweeter, while the 3" midrange runs active. This can be achieved with a standard 4-channel amplifier.
  • Fully Active Setup: With a good DSP, you can bypass the passive network entirely and run all drivers active for maximum control.

Why This Makes Sense

This design gives you options: simple passive, hybrid passive/active, or full active. Based on feedback during development, this approach provided the best balance of flexibility and performance, while keeping the system accessible to more users.

In short, the REFSQ63’s 2-Way bi-amp crossover isn’t a limitation—it’s a versatile solution that lets you choose the setup style that works best for your system and goals.

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