Passive vs. Active Crossover: The A/B Test That Changes Everything

Active vs Passive Crossover – You Will Hear the Difference! (Play this on a real sound system if possible)

What you’re about to hear is an instant A/B comparison between a traditional passive crossover setup (Green LED) and an analog active bi-amped system (Red LED) – both using the same Klipsch RF-5 speakers.

0:00 - Intro to Passive vs. Active Crossovers
0:56 - Amplifier Setup & Demo Explanation
1:51 - AB Test Audio Comparison

This is not a simulation. It's a live demo using a custom-built A/B switch box that lets us instantly flip between the two setups:

Passive (Green LED): Driven by a high-end Bryston 4B amplifier in standard configuration.

Active (Red LED): Driven by budget Monoprice 605030 amplifiers ($150 each) in an active bi-amp configuration using the Sublime Acoustic K235 active crossover.

We intentionally used inexpensive amps in the active path to prove a point:

Even low-cost amps sound dramatically better in an active setup than a top-tier amp driving a passive crossover.

Here’s what you’ll hear in the demo:

Passive path – The soundstage flattens, imaging narrows, and instrument placement becomes vague.

Active path – The soundstage expands, instruments gain depth and separation, and clarity jumps to another level.

No speaker mods required – This demo proves you do not need to remove or bypass the internal passive crossover to benefit from active bi-amping.

Yes, we know this goes against the “common wisdom” in the audiophile world.

No, we’re not shy about proving it.

Key Takeaways:
You don’t need expensive amps to hear a massive upgrade with active bi-amping.

You don’t need to modify your speakers.

You do need to hear it for yourself.

Still skeptical? Come visit us in Livermore, CA and hear the exact same demo with your own ears.

This demo just might change your mind—and your system.

Link to Blog Post https://sublimeacoustic.com/blogs/news/act...
Link to A/B Test Block Diagram https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1044/485...