Key Objectives;

- Transient perfect = sound arrive at same time [Qtc=0.5 / critically dammped]
- Phase coherent

1st Order (6dB/octave)
Pros

• best possible transient response
• predictable
• easy to design

Cons

• significant power delivered to the tweeter even at its resonant frequency
• risk of cone breakup
• off-axis lobing for the mid-woofer

Series vs Parallel:
Response - fq+phase are identical
Imp Variation - Parallel circuit will have total imp swing, with wf being more significant. In Series circuit, total imp will remain constant however, xo point will shift.
Back EMF - In Series circuit, woofer back EMF supression is significantly worse than with a parallel network.

Conclusion:
Any first order network dictates that the drivers will have significant power applied at frequencies where their performance will be rapidly deteriorating, however for a system that will never be operated at high power, the performance can be very satisfying.

2nd Order (12dB/octave)
Pros

Cons

Series vs Parallel:

Conclusion:

LINKS

PassiveCrossover
Sonic Design