8 Best Car Audio Crossovers (Reviews & Buyer’s Guide)

A car audio crossover is a device that splits an audio signal into different frequency ranges before sending it to individual amplifiers. By doing this, each amplifier can be specifically tuned to amplify one range of frequencies, which results in a clearer overall sound. Crossovers can be either passive or active, and come in a variety of different sizes and shapes. Some are even built into the head unit of the car.

A car audio crossover is an important part of any car audio system. It helps to ensure that the sound from the speakers is properly divided between the high and low frequencies. This results in a richer, more balanced sound. There are a number of different crossover designs available on the market. Here are list of the best car audio crossovers available today.

  1. Clarion MCD360
  2. PRV AUDIO EX4.6 PRO
  3. Audio Control Three.2
  4. Sound Storm Laboratories SX310
  5. BOSS Audio Systems BX35
  6. DS18 PRO-CFX
  7. Taramp’s CRX 4
  8. Stetsom STX 104

Best Car Audio Crossovers Reviews

1. Clarion MCD360 2/3-Way 6-Channel – Best Choice Car Crossover

Clarion’s MCD360 2/3-Way 6-Channel Electronic Crossover is the perfect way to fine-tune your car audio system. This crossover allows you to control the output of each channel, so you can optimize your sound for accurate music reproduction.

Clarion MCD360 gives you control over your front, rear, and subwoofer speakers, so you can create the perfect listening experience for yourself and your passengers. With 5 volt RCA outputs, it’s easy to connect the MCD360 to your existing electronics.

The subwoofer equalizer lets you adjust the low frequency response, while the boost level control allows you to increase or decrease the amplifier output. With this much power at your fingertips, you can create an audio system that sounds exactly the way you want it to. Plus, its compact size makes it easy to install in any vehicle.

It features a high-pass crossover frequency multiplier that allows you to dial in the perfect crossover frequency for your system. With its precision controls, you can easily fine-tune your sound to achieve the perfect balance and clarity.

This crossover allows you to control the level of your subwoofer, so you can get the perfect sound for your individual taste. With its remote control, you can make adjustments without having to leave your seat.

It has gold plated terminals for superior connectivity, and it’s easy to use. The MCD360 is perfect for any car audio system.

2. PRV AUDIO EX4.6 PRO Crossover Car Audio

The PRV Audio EX4.6 PRO is a full-featured crossover that gives you the power to customize your car audio. It offers a variety of adjustments to let you adjust the sound to your liking.

PRV AUDIO EX4.6 PRO crossover is a 4 way adjustable electronic crossover that lets you customize your sound with a wide frequency of filter adjustment. It has 4 high pass and 4 low pass filters, which can be adjusted independently on each channel.

The output level stabilization feature allows you to adjust the bass outputs to match the environment you’re driving in. There is a bass boost option on each output channel as well.

It supports any type of input, including 2/3/4 RCA inputs for 3 channels – 1 Stereo and 2 Mono, or 6 RCA outputs for 4 channels – 2 Stereo and 2 Mono. It has a different 12 db/Octave crossover slope than other Butterworth analysis filters. It is an excellent choice for a variety of audio scenarios, from music to movie soundtracks to video games.

3. Audio Control Three.2 in-Dash Pre-Amp – Best Premium Car Audio Crossover

Audio Control Three.2 is the perfect way to get the most out of your music. It’s an in-dash pre-amp equalizer and subwoofer crossover with dual auxiliary inputs, so you can fine-tune your sound for the ultimate listening experience. Plus, it has a sleek design that will look great in any car.

Audio Control Three.2 gives you the power to perfect your sound. With separate stereo and para-bass equalization controls, you can tailor the frequency ranges that matter most to your ears. Whether you’re looking for richer bass or crisper highs, Audio Control Three.2 has you covered.

The on-board pre-amp line driver lets you pump up your music up to 13 volts peak, while the master volume control and fader let you customize the sound to your liking. Plus, with selectable illumination in either cool blue or red, Audio Control Three.2 Crossover will look great with any car interior.

Audio Control Three.2 is one of the best car audio crossover on the market. It’s perfect for anyone who wants to improve their sound system. With this crossover, you’ll be able to get the most out of your music. Plus, it’s easy to use and install, so you can start enjoying better sound right away!

4. Sound Storm Laboratories SX310 2/3 Way – Best Budget Car Audio Crossover

The SX310 is an excellent electronic crossover for the parallel input system. It’s compatible with most car audio head units and it offers a lot of great features to make your car audio more enjoyable.

The SX310 has a 6 dB per octave crossover slope. This is a good option if you want to enjoy the same crossover slope as your factory car radio. The bass boost is adjustable from 5 Hz to 150 Hz, and you can choose between 6dB or 12dB per octave.

The phase shift selector allows you to switch the speaker locations. You can also adjust the output levels on each channel, which will improve the spatiality of your system.

The SX310 also includes a bass boost control that you can use to customize the bass levels. It will hit harder at the right frequency with the least amount of distortion.

The SX310 is a good choice for those who want an electronic crossover that’s compatible with their car audio head unit.

5. BOSS Audio Systems BX35 3 Way Electronic Car Crossover

The BOSS Audio Systems BX35 electronic car crossover is perfect for use with front and rear speakers as well as a subwoofer. The BX35 has three sets of inputs – one for each type of speaker – and three sets of outputs, allowing you to fine-tune your sound system. The crossover also features a low-pass filter to reduce distortion and improve the quality of your bass.

This crossover allows you to adjust the front high pass filter from 65 Hz all the way up to 4.5 kHz, and the rear high pass filter from 45 Hz all the way up to 1.6 kHz. This ensures that you get the best possible sound quality no matter what type of music you’re listening to, and it also helps keep your car safe by ensuring that only the appropriate frequencies are coming through your speakers.

The BX35 has a variable subwoofer filter from 40 Hz – 250 Hz, a variable high pass filter from 45 Hz – 5 kHz, and a variable low pass filter from 50 Hz – 250 Hz. This gives you total control over your system’s sound. The BX35 is easy to use; just plug in your components and adjust the filters to get the sound that you want.

It can handle input voltages up to 4.5 volts, and has a maximum output voltage of 9 volts. This ensures that the crossover will be able to handle a wide range of devices, and produce the best possible sound quality.

6. DS18 PRO-CFX 2-Way – Best Passive Car Crossover

The DS18 PRO-CFX is a passive car crossover that is designed to provide the best sound quality possible in a vehicle. It uses complex circuitry to ensure that the audio signal is properly divided between the high and low frequencies, creating a cleaner, more accurate sound.

In short, the crossover splits the audio signal into different frequency bands so that each speaker can play the appropriate range of sound. This ensures that the speakers are not overloaded and that the sound quality is improved.

The DS18 PRO-CFX is a passive car crossover that does not require power. It uses complex academic jargon to achieve its purpose. Plus, the compact size makes it easy to fit into any vehicle.

7. Taramp’s CRX 4 4 Way Compact Electronic Crossover

The Taramp CRX4 Compact Electronic Car Crossover is a 4 channel car stereo that features an electronic crossover system for a 4-way output. This means you can connect two or more devices to the stereo in a way that doesn’t sound bad.

It’s designed for people who want to add some unique sounds to their car stereo but don’t have much space. It’s compact enough to fit in the trunk of a small car, and it’s also very versatile thanks to its four channels.

In addition, it comes with custom sound adjustments for bass, midrange, and treble, as well as three presets: Rock, Jazz, and Urban.

The Taramp CRX4 also has a 12dB/8th electronic crossover system that allows you to adjust the stereo’s volume independently for each output. This means you can control the volume of your speakers individually.

It’s a compact stereo that’s also portable thanks to its compact size and weight. It’s only 190mm x 145mm x 40mm, so it won’t take up much space in your car.

8. Stetsom STX 104 5 Way Car Crossover

The STX 104’s design is compact and lightweight. This means it’s easily transportable. It also fits in most vehicles, from subcompacts to SUVs, and even some trucks. There are 5 channels, so you can easily switch between them and adjust the sound to your preference. Each channel is individually adjustable, which is great for customizing your music.

The Stetsom STX 104 has a frequency response of 20Hz – 200kHz, which is great for listening to music in your car. There’s also an automatic bass boost feature that adds extra bass when needed, without distorting your music.

The Stetsom STX 104 is also very easy to use. Just plug it into your car’s power source and you’re good to go. The Stetsom STX 104 has a lot of great features, and we think it’s the best choice for anyone who needs a top-notch car audio system. It’s easy to use, versatile, and has a ton of customization options.

What Is a Crossover?

A car audio crossover is a device that splits an audio signal into different frequency bands, which can then be sent to different amplifiers or loudspeakers. This allows the system to be tuned to better match the characteristics of the drivers, which can result in improved sound quality. Crossovers also help to protect the drivers from being overloaded with too much power, which can cause damage.

The Benefits of Using a Crossover in a Car Audio System

Increased sound quality

Crossovers are an important part of a car audio system because they help to improve the sound quality. By dividing the frequency range into different bands, crossovers allow each speaker to play only the frequencies for which it is best suited. This results in cleaner, crisper sound with less distortion. Crossovers also help to protect the speakers from being overloaded, which can cause them to break or produce poor-quality sound.

More power

Crossovers also increase power output, as each speaker is now handling a smaller range of frequencies. This means that they can be driven harder without distortion, resulting in louder overall sound.

Better sound staging

It can help to create better sound staging. When the different frequency ranges are sent to the correct speaker, it allows for a more accurate recreation of the original sound. This is because each speaker is designed to handle a specific frequency range, so by using a crossover, you are ensuring that each speaker is doing what it is supposed to do. This results in a more realistic and accurate soundstage.

Improved bass response

Using a crossover, you can improve the bass response of your system by sending low frequencies to your subwoofer and high frequencies to your other speakers. This will help to create a more balanced sound and improve the overall performance of your system.

Enhanced sound definition

Crossovers improve sound definition by ensuring that each speaker is playing only the frequencies it is supposed to, which results in a cleaner, more accurate sound. They also help to protect speakers from being overdriven or damaged by playing too high a volume of certain frequencies.

What Factors to Consider When Choosing a Car Audio Crossover?

Crossovers are important components to your car’s audio system. They’re like a switch that allows the radio signal to pass through to the speakers. When selecting one for your vehicle, consider the following factors.

Types of Crossovers

There are two main types: passive and active.

Passive crossovers are built into the speaker itself, while active crossovers are separate components that need to be installed between the amplifier and speakers.

Passive crossovers are less expensive and easier to install, but they don’t always offer as much flexibility or control as active crossovers.

Frequency Range

The frequency range is the distance between the lowest and highest frequencies that the crossover can pass. If you want your crossover to cover a wide range of frequencies, then you will need to get one with a large frequency range.

However, if you only need it to cover a specific range of frequencies, then you can get one with a smaller frequency range.

Impedance

Impedance is the measure of a component’s ability to resist an electrical current, and it is important to match the impedance of the crossover with the impedance of the speakers. If the impedances are mismatched, the sound will be distorted.

Crossover Slope

The slope of a crossover determines how much the frequencies will be divided between the outputs. A steep slope will divide the frequencies more sharply, while a shallow slope will divide them more gradually.

Generally, a steep slope is preferred for systems that have a dedicated subwoofer, as it will help to keep the low frequencies from overwhelming the main speakers.

Filter Type

There are three main types of filters: low-pass, high-pass, and band-pass.

  • Low-pass filters allow low frequencies to pass through while blocking higher frequencies.
  • High-pass filters allow high frequencies to pass through while blocking lower frequencies.
  • Band-pass filters allow only a certain range of frequencies to pass through.

Phase Correction

Phase correction is an important factor to consider when choosing a car audio crossover. The phase of a sound wave describes the timing relationship between the peak of the sound wave and the peak of the following sound wave.

When two waves are in phase, their peaks and valleys line up. When two waves are out of phase, their peaks and valleys don’t line up. This can cause problems with sound quality, as out-of-phase waves will interfere with each other and can distort the sound.

Power Handling

Power handling is a measure of how much power a crossover can handle without being damaged. It’s important to choose a crossover that can handle the power of your amp, otherwise you risk damaging the crossover or the amp.

Crossovers with a higher power handling rating can handle more power, which makes them a better choice for amps with high power ratings.

How to Install a Car Audio Crossover?

In order to install a car audio crossover, you will need to find a spot in your car where you can mount the device.

Once you have located a spot, remove the screws from the back of the crossover and insert them into the desired location.

Re-install the screws and secure the crossover using your hands or a wrench. Now turn on your car, and adjust the treble level to around 70dB and bass level to around 80dB. You should be able to hear any difference in sound quality once you have adjusted both levels.

In order to use your car audio crossover, you will need to attach the included RCA cables to the outputs of your car radio and amplifier. Connecting the wires will allow you to hear sound from your car speakers through your receiver or amplifier. This will give you a better idea of the sound quality you are getting from your car speakers. 

It is recommended that you install the crossover in the front door panels and not the rear window, as this will allow for more room to fit it without compromising your view. If you are installing the crossover in the rear, it is recommended that you use a mirror to keep your view unobstructed.

You will have to remove the mirror and replace it with the crossover in order to fit it.  There is a lot of room in this vehicle, so you can easily remove the glass without any drama.

FAQs

Does a crossover improve sound quality?

Crossovers are devices used in audio systems to divide the frequency spectrum into bands that can be more easily handled by the individual drivers.

By using a crossover, you can improve the sound quality of your audio system by ensuring that each driver is handling only the frequencies it is capable of reproducing accurately.

By using a crossover, you can also help to prevent distortion and improve the overall clarity of your audio system.

What is better crossover or equalizer for a car audio?

A crossover is a type of audio filter that splits an audio signal into different frequency bands, allowing for better control over the content of each band.

An equalizer is a device that allows the adjustment of the frequency response of an audio system by boosting or cutting specific frequencies.

In general, a crossover is better for a car audio system because it can help to improve the clarity and definition of the sound by separating the low, mid, and high frequencies.

What does a low pass crossover do?

A low pass crossover filters out high frequencies, allowing only low frequencies to pass through. This is often used in audio systems to prevent unwanted noise from being heard. It is a type of filter that is placed in between the amplifier and the loudspeaker. By doing this, it ensures that only the low frequencies coming from the amplifier are heard by the listener.

What is the difference between a passive and active crossover?

A crossover is a device used in audio systems to divide the signal into two or more frequency bands, so that each band can be sent to a different amplifier or speaker. Passive crossovers use capacitors and inductors to divide the signal, while active crossovers use electronic circuits. Passive crossovers are less expensive but can’t achieve the same level of accuracy as active crossovers.

Why are crossovers more expensive?

Crossovers are more expensive because they require additional electronic components to switch the audio signal between the left and right channels. This additional circuitry allows the crossover to direct specific frequencies to the appropriate speaker, resulting in improved sound quality.

Additionally, crossovers can be used to adjust the relative volume of different frequency ranges, which is particularly useful for stereo systems with multiple speakers.

Conclusion

These are the best car audio crossovers on the market. If you are looking for an excellent sound quality and want to improve your car’s audio system, then these units are perfect for you. Remember to do your research before purchasing a crossover, as not all models are created equal. Choose the one that fits your needs and budget, and you will be happy with the results.

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