Eclipse 8454 Pro-Mode

I'm attempting to set my crossovers in the "Pro Mode" for the Eclipse 8454. It states in the manual that this adjustment applies to a 3-way speaker system that uses different speakers for different ranges (treble range: tweeters; medium range: mid; bass range: woofer(s)). There are four crossover channels: Hi, M-LPF, M-HPF and Low. The crossover function applies the HPF to the treble -range speakers, the M-HPF and M-LPF to the medium-range speakers and the LPF to the bass-range speakers. 1) Settings for the Hi and M-LPF range from 200Hz to 10kHz; I've been advised that 315Hz is the ideal setting for both. Is that correct? 2) Settings for the M-HPF and Low channels range from 63Hz to 200Hz; I presume both should be set to 80Hz? 3) As for setting slopes, the available range is from "Pass" to "24dB/oct." I have the Hi, M-HPF and LPF set to 24dB/oct. and the M-LPF set to "Pass" (otherwise, it sounds horrible). Have I done this right? 4) The components have crossovers, which I'll use (excuse the redundancy!). How does the receiver know which crossover settings to apply to the rear speakers? For example, how does it know if they're treble, medium or bass-range speakers?!? Without this forum, I'd be lost...Thanks again!     

lakers08 wrote: I'm attempting to set my crossovers in the "Pro Mode" for the Eclipse 8454. It states in the manual that this adjustment applies to a 3-way speaker system that uses different speakers for different ranges (treble range: tweeters; medium range: mid; bass range: woofer(s)). There are four crossover channels: Hi, M-LPF, M-HPF and Low. The crossover function applies the HPF to the treble -range speakers, the M-HPF and M-LPF to the medium-range speakers and the LPF to the bass-range speakers. 1) Settings for the Hi and M-LPF range from 200Hz to 10kHz; I've been advised that 315Hz is the ideal setting for both. Is that correct?

You will not be able to say "This is the best crossover point" for ANY speaker or system. All crossover points will be specifically adjusted, based on the speakers you are using, your car, where the speakers are installed, how they sound to you. Mine, for example are 200Hz and 3500Hz. You are using 6 channels of amplification, aren't you? If not, you cannot use the crossover in your deck as a three way.

lakers08 wrote: 2) Settings for the M-HPF and Low channels range from 63Hz to 200Hz; I presume both should be set to 80Hz?

See above - Mine are set at 50Hz

lakers08 wrote: 3) As for setting slopes, the available range is from "Pass" to "24dB/oct." I have the Hi, M-HPF and LPF set to 24dB/oct. and the M-LPF set to "Pass" (otherwise, it sounds horrible). Have I done this right?

Yes, you must use the slope, otherwise it is not a "crossover", merely another output from your deck.

lakers08 wrote: 4) The components have crossovers, which I'll use (excuse the redundancy!). How does the receiver know which crossover settings to apply to the rear speakers? For example, how does it know if they're treble, medium or bass-range speakers?!? Without this forum, I'd be lost...Thanks again!

If you are using the passive crossovers, why are you trying to use the active crossovers in your headunit? The included passive crossovers preclude the need for an active crossover between the mid-bass/mid/tweeter systems. The head DOESN'T know where to place the crossovers points. Either use the active devices or the passive devices - not both ....13It all reminds me of something that Molière once said to Guy de Maupassant at a café in Vienna: "That's nice. You should write it down."

Just when I thought I knew what I was doing...I only have five channels of amplification, using a Jl 300/4 and a 1000/1. I presume this means I can't use the 3-way function? Would you suggest I use the crossovers on the amplifiers instead for the rear speakers and subwoofer? I apologize for the confusion, but this stuff is WAY over my head. Thank you.   

lakers08 wrote: Just when I thought I knew what I was doing...I only have five channels of amplification, using a Jl 300/4 and a 1000/1. I presume this means I can't use the 3-way function? Would you suggest I use the crossovers on the amplifiers instead for the rear speakers and subwoofer? I apologize for the confusion, but this stuff is WAY over my head. Thank you.

With ony 5 channels, that is correct, you cannot use the three way function. Five channels will allow front two-way function, with no rears, or 4 full-range channels. For right now, yep, the internal amplifier crossovers will be a better bet for you. To use the three way capabilities, you need (as I said) 6 channels, just for the DOORS, with a dedicated subwoofer channel or two. Add two more channels for the rear, if using the rear as full range, or add 4 more channels for the rear, if going active two-way... I am not trying to discourage you from using all of the features you paid for, but I sometimes really wish that Eclipse had never built a mass-market deck like that one. It's FAR to powerful for the average user, and requires FAR more supporting electronics and setup knowledge than most people have. They did their job though... an EXCELLENT piece of electronics... for your situation, just leave it on the standard settings, hold on to the deck, and wait till you can add the requisite channels of power. ....12It all reminds me of something that Molière once said to Guy de Maupassant at a café in Vienna: "That's nice. You should write it down."

Thanks for all the advice, haemphyst. It's cleared up most of the confusion for me. Getting Eclipse to respond to inquiries has been a monumental task.     I'm at the point (especially financially) where I'll make do with what I have. I have noticed that the receiver provides far superior sound quality to the Alpine 7894 it replaced, without even tweaking all the settings.