Series vs. Parallel Crossover Networks

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The Audio Pages

Elliott Sound Products Series vs. Parallel Crossover Networks
Copyright 2003 - Rod Elliott (ESP)

(With additional material by Gene DellaSala - Audioholics)
Page Published 14 Aug 2003 (Updated 24 Aug 2003)
Articles Index
Main Index
Contents
Introduction
1.0 - First Order Comparison
1.1 - Response
1.2 - Impedance Variations
1.3 - Summary
2.0 - Second Order Comparison
2.1 - Response
2.3 - Summary
3.0 - Conclusion
3.1 - Series & Parallel Networks are (Virtually) Identical
Introduction
Despite many of the myths that surround series networks and their acclaimed superiority over
conventional parallel networks for loudspeaker design, both networks can be designed with
identical transfer functions if the load impedance remains constant. Most of the claims regarding
series networks are either grossly overstated or blatantly wrong and may cause deleterious
effects on system performance. As with all aspects of design, there are compromises that must
be made, and it is impossible to make an informed decision if you are unaware of the facts.
This article is intended to show that there are no greatly enhanced features in a series or parallel
network - if properly designed their performance is essentially identical in terms of response,
phase and (by extension) transient response. It is unwise to claim that one type of network is
superior to the other, when simple logic dictates that if amplitude and phase response are the
same, then all of the filter's other characteristics are also the same.
There are other factors than just the response, and this is where the differences between the
network topologies exist. Each has good and bad points that must be considered.
1.0 - First Order Comparison

First order (6dB/octave) networks have a strong following amongst many audiophiles, and
indeed, they have a number of very desirable features. They have the best possible transient
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indeed, they have a number of very desirable features. They have the best possible transient
response, and are predictable and easy to design, but as with all things there is a down side.
The demands on the drivers are extreme, with significant power delivered to the tweeter even at
its resonant frequency, and the risk of cone breakup and off-axis lobing for the mid-woofer.
Nevertheless, at low power, intermodulation products can be kept within reasonable limits with
careful driver selection, and they can sound very good indeed.
Figure 1.1 - Series and Parallel 1st Order Filters
Illustrated above are equivalent series and parallel first order crossovers with 1kHz crossover
points for a fixed load. Note that resistive loads were used in order to minimise analysis
variables. There is some material in the conclusion of this article describing further simulations
and transient response that encompasses complex load impedances typical of a loudspeaker.
1kHz was chosen for one reason - the crossover frequency is nicely centred in the graphs for
best display. The effects shown in this article are identical at any frequency.
Input impedance is exactly the same for each type, and is essentially perfectly flat, with both
circuits dropping by 2 millohms at the crossover frequency. This is of no consequence, and may
be ignored.
1.1 - Response
Figure 1.2 - Frequency Response and Summed Output
The frequency response and electrically summed outputs are shown in Figure 1.2 and it is quite
obvious that they are identical, since the graphs are perfectly overlayed (there are 6 graphs on
the chart, not 3).
Figure 1.3 - Phase Response
The phase response of the series and parallel crossovers are also identical as can be seen
above. There are 4 graphs (2 serial and 2 parallel) and again, they are perfectly aligned.

Figure 1.4 shows the variation of high and low pass filters and summed response when the
woofer impedance is varied by +/-2 ohms. Red shows the electrical sum of the variation with 6
impedance, and the green graph is for 10. Note that only the low pass filter response is
affected.
Figure 1.4 - Parallel, Variable Woofer Impedance
The results for tweeter impedance variations are similar (and affect only the tweeter section of
the filter), but have not been shown, since the tweeter is far less likely to undergo any noticable
change than the woofer.
The graphs below are very interesting. The woofer impedance was again changed from 6 to
10 as was done with the parallel network. Note that although the crossover frequency moves
(it becomes higher at higher woofer impedances and vice versa), the summed response remains
completely flat.
Figure 1.5 - Series, Variable Woofer Impedance
The two sections have a complementary shift - when woofer impedance changes, it effects both
low and high pass sections, and changes the Q of the filter sections. The result is quite obvious
- unlike a parallel crossover, the response remains flat regardless of a shift in the woofer (or
tweeter) impedance. If both change in any direction, the same thing happens. In theory, this
means that the series network is almost immune from impedance variations in the drivers.
Figure 1.6 - Series, 20Woofer, 3 Tweeter
By changing the driver impedances, two things happen. The filter Q changes, and the reflected
change affects the behaviour of the other filter section. Although the individual response, Q and
phase varies, the net result is that the effective crossover frequency is changed, but nothing
phase varies, the net result is that the effective crossover frequency is changed, but nothing
more. This is a remarkable property, and the series first order is the only crossover filter circuit
that has this ability.
Remarkable though it may be, it is still advisable to design the series network correctly, and
maintain everything as close as possible to the design values. Should the woofer impedance
increase (with voice coil temperature, for example), the crossover frequency will move upwards,
thus providing a small measure of added protection for the tweeter at sustained high power
levels.
However, all is not completely rosy. Everything in electronics is a compromise, and the selection
of a crossover is no different. There is one final test that needs to be applied, and that is to
examine the amount of woofer back EMF that reaches the tweeter. This is an area where the
series network is inferior to the parallel.
Figure 1.7 - Series, Woofer Back EMF Attenuation
With a parallel network, only the amplifier's output impedance plus the impedance of the cable
allows any cross coupling between high and low pass sections. With a zero ohm source,
attenuation is infinite, and is not shown above.
A series network relies solely on the isolation of the crossover filters, and as a result, the back
EMF from the woofer is not attenuated as well. This may not be a major problem, since the
attenuation of back EMF is the same as for amplifier power (actually, it is 3dB better), and the
latter is at a far greater amplitude. It is a consideration nevertheless, so be aware that it may
increase tweeter intermodulation.
1.3 - Summary
The series network is probably a better choice than parallel for a number of reasons. It retains a
flat response even when the driver characteristics change, and is to an extent "self correcting".
Implementation is no more difficult than for an equivalent parallel network, and the same
component values are used.
component values are used.
On the negative side, woofer back EMF supression is significantly worse than with a parallel
network - it is up to the designer to determine if this is likely to cause a problem.
Finally, it must be remembered that 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.
2.0 - Second Order Comparison

The design process for a 12dB/octave filter is completely different for series and parallel
implementations of the same design. For a parallel network (assuming a Butterworth alignment
for the sake of simplicity), the capacitance and inductance are calculated by
C = 1 / (2 * * f * (Z * 2))
L = (Z * 2) / (2 * * f)
(where Z is impedance, f is frequency, 2 is 1.414, and is 3.14159)
A series crossover design is different in terms of the component values
C = 1 / (2 * * f * (Z / 2))
L = (Z / 2) / (2 * * f)
For this exercise, the crossover frequency was arbitrarily selected to be 1kHz, and 8 ohm
resistive loads were used. The series network has the advantage of using smaller inductance
values, but capacitor values are higher. The difference is unimportant, but capacitors for
crossovers are more expensive than inductors. This is a minor point if there is an improvement
in performance.
The values used for the simulations were as follows
Parallel Series
Common Values
Crossover Crossover
Crossover
1kHz C = 14.07uF C = 28.13 uF
Frequency
Speaker
8 L = 1.8 mH L = 900 uH
Impedance
Table 1 - Second Order Crossover Values
Figure 2.1 - Series and Parallel 2nd Order Filters
2.1 - Response
As with the previous example using a first order filter, when properly aligned, the response is
identical. Because the plots look exactly the same as the previous example (other than the
rolloff slope), there is little point displaying graphs that show two sets of curves that are perfectly
matched.
It can be stated that if two filters, regardless of topology (series, parallel, active or passive) have
an identical frequency response, then they must also have identical phase and impulse
responses, since these cannot be separated.
Of course, this only holds true as long as the source and load impedances are also identical.
Input impedance of both filters is essentially completely flat, having a variation of only 4.6 mdB
(i.e. 0.0046 dB). Due to rounding errors in the component values, there is a tiny variance
between the two filters, however it is completely insignificant (about 0.17 Hz difference).
One thing that should not be overlooked is the inductor's resistance. While this causes a small
loss of level with a parallel crossover network **, it will cause the series network to "shelve" the
tweeter rolloff. As a result, a DC resistance of (say) 800m will cause the signal applied to an
8 tweeter to drop to a minimum of just over 20dB below the applied signal regardless of
frequency! This includes DC under amplifier fault conditions.
There is virtually no difference between series and parallel at about 1 decade below crossover
(i.e. 1/10th the frequency), but below that the difference becomes apparent. There may be as
much as 20dB more level applied to the tweeter at 20Hz with a series crossover vs. an
otherwise identical parallel version (with an inductor DCR of 0.8)
** Although there is a small loss of level, the parallel crossover's theoretical response is greatly
disturbed by even a 0.8 DCR in the inductor. This will cause a response anomoly of about 1dB, with
the woofer output being 0.8dB down at one decade below crossover frequency. Naturally, higher
resistance will create more deviation in response. The series network's overall response remains flat.
Normally, the inductor's DCR must be factored into the design, regardless of crossover type.

As was shown to be the case with the first order implementation, by its very nature, the two
segments of a parallel crossover are separate, and share only the amplifiers output impedance,
plus the impedance (R, L and C) of the speaker lead. Speaker lead capacitance may safely be
ignored as it is insignificant compared to the capacitances within the crossover network.
A series network on the other hand, relies on the integrity of the series elements - all of them. A
change in woofer parameters (for example) therefore affects the tweeter, and vice versa. The
tweeter is likely to have smaller and fewer changes than the woofer in a practical system.
It is interesting to see the behaviour of the two network types when the outputs are summed
electrically. This is a severe test, and in 12dB types, neither crossover is significantly worse than
the other in this respect.
Any change in the parameters of the woofer (the most likely to change) causes a change in the
tweeter parameters, and the summed electrical response varies with both types. Since it has
been established that the two filter types are identical when all values are at their design figures,
there is no point showing this. The following two charts show the extremes - with the woofer
impedance at 4 ohms and 12 ohms (the latter value being much more likely).
Figure 2.2 - Series and Parallel - Woofer at 4
The red trace is the summed electrical response of the parallel network, and green for series.
The dark green and violet traces (with the kinks and bends) are the individual responses for the
series network.
Note that although both series and parallel networks have deviated from the ideal, the parallel
network has a flatter and less rapid change. Overall, the difference is marginal.
Figure 2.3 - Series and Parallel - Woofer at 12
Here, we see the change when the woofer impedance is increased to 12 ohms. The series
network is slightly better, but there is very little between the two. The rise at crossover frequency
has changed from 3dB (normal) to 4.9dB - this will be audible in both cases.
The impedance "seen" by the drivers is also important. This may be referred to as "look-back
impedance". The woofer is expected to be effectively short-circuited by the amplifier at low
frequencies, and both networks achieve this quite well. Interestingly, the parallel network loses
control at the crossover frequency. This is shown in the following diagram. The loss of control at
this frequency is relatively unimportant if the cabinet is well damped, but may cause colouration
with some systems.
In the following graph, each trace indicates the current generated when a 1V source is
connected in series with the woofer. This represents the back EMF generated by the cones
momentum when the signal changes. The red trace shows the current in the parallel network,
and as can be seen, it drops to a low value (high impedance) at the crossover frequency. A
series network maintains relatively good control over this region, tapering off (impedance
increasing) gradually.
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Figure 2.4 - Series and Parallel - Woofer Back EMF Current
The next test is to see how well each network maintains separation of the signal generated by
the woofer. It is important that woofer back EMF (in particular) is not seen by the tweeter, as this
may create intermodulation. The 2nd order network is the same as a 1st order network in this
respect, except that the slope is 12dB/octave as is expected of a second order network.
Figure 2.5 - Series, Woofer Back EMF Rejection
The amount of this signal reaching the tweeter should be zero (or close to it). The parallel
network is not shown, since it is at zero. Not so good for the series network however, with more
than half the generator voltage appearing at the tweeter terminals at the crossover frequency.
Even at 300 Hz, the voltage is significant at 100 mV (20dB down from the full 1V applied). As
Even at 300 Hz, the voltage is significant at 100 mV (20dB down from the full 1V applied). As
with the series 1st order network, the back EMF rejection is 3dB better than the attenuation of
the amplifier signal below crossover frequency.
The levels shown are not a real concern, since woofer back EMF will always be much lower
than the amplifier signal. While it would seem ideal to limit such cross-coupling to the minimum
possible, the effects are something of an unknown, and back EMF can be expected to be quite
low with typical drivers - especially where the box is well damped internally.
Given that valve amplifiers typically have an output impedance of 6 ohms (when operated
without global feedback), the differences between the series and parallel configurations become
very similar, with the parallel network being only 2.7dB better than its series counterpart.
2.3 - Summary
The differences between second order series and parallel filters are more difficult to rationalise.
Each has strengths and weaknesses, but from the above, the parallel version probably has a
slight advantage. Both exhibit variations in response when the woofer (or tweeter)
characteristics change, and they are quite similar. The parallel filter has better woofer back EMF
rejection in the tweeter circuit, while the series crossover has a better woofer "look back"
impedance characteristic.
Components for a series crossover will be more costly because of higher capacitor values, but it
will have lower losses due to inductor resistance, since they are lower values. For those who
feel that capacitors change the sound, the higher values may be thought to have a greater effect
3.0 - Conclusion
It is very difficult to make any judgement of series or parallel crossovers as a generalisation. The
series first order network is probably a better choice in general, due to its flat response
regardless of driver impedance - this can simplify the design, but at the expense of having the
crossover frequency shift from the design value.
The choice is more difficult for the second order crossover, since both series and parallel have
vices and virtues, with neither standing out as generally superior. Overall, the parallel version is
probably a better choice, if only because it is slightly more tolerant of variations, and will
probably have marginally lower losses because there is no series connection of the drivers (this
adds the resistive losses in the inductors, whereas they are in parallel in the parallel filter - of
course).
As for any claims for better transient response or sound quality, this is very doubtful - there is
nothing to suggest that either version if properly designed will outperform the other to any
degree. Parallel crossovers are easier to design, and are simple to convert to a (sub) Bessel
response with a Q of 0.5 (approximating a Linkwitz-Riley response).
Most constructors who have attempted second order series crossovers have had to spend
considerable time tweaking to get it right - they are harder to design than their parallel
counterpart, and interactions will always cause problems.
As a final examination, Figure 3.1 shows a series and parallel network, using simulated drivers.
There is no compensation applied for woofer inductance or tweeter resonance, yet both effects
are present.
Figure 3.1 - Series & Parallel, With Simulated Drivers
The grey boxes are the drivers (identical in each version), and the area outside the boxes
contains the generator and filter networks. As you can see, these are the same in each case,
with the values deviating from the previous simulations only in that this design is for a real
crossover network (a very similar design is used in my PC speakers, as described in the ESP
projects section - see Project 73). The values are slightly different from those shown, but the
principle is identical!
A transient analysis shows the following outputs, using a nominal 4kHz crossover frequency (as
per the circuits above) and an input signal of 1kHz ...
Figure 3.2 - Transient Response, 1kHz Squarewave Signal
The parallel crossover output is shown in Aqua, and the Violet trace is the series network's
output. This is an electrical summing, but it shows clearly that the driver characteristics are fully
compensated by the series network, and the output is exactly the same as the input. The
parallel network by comparison indicates severe waveform distortion, and this implies phase and
levels are incorrect - remember that no attempt was made to optimise the driver impedance with
zobel or notch filters in either case.
This is fine in theory, so to prove the point one way or another, the following are real impedance
and response plots from two identical (inasmuch is possible) boxes, measured under identical
conditions, and within a few minutes of each other. The boxes are my PC speakers, as
described above, using shielded Peerless tweeters, and small (unbranded) polypropylene
woofer drivers.
Figure 3.3 - Impedance Comparison, Series vs. Parallel
The measured impedance differences are as likely to be the result of silghtly mismatched
drivers as anything else. There is not a great difference at all. The red trace is the series
connection, and black is parallel.
Figure 3.4 - Frequency Response Comparison, Series vs. Parallel
Response differences are a bit more pronounced (again, red is serial and black is parallel), but
are not as we should expect based on the simulations. Simulation showed perfectly flat
response, but remember that was an electrical signal only, and fails to account for driver
behaviour. Note that there is a noticable improvement at the crossover frequency of 4kHz - the
series network is flatter, indicating that the theory does work (the drivers have no impedance
compensation - these are PC speakers, and make no claim to be being hi-fi).
Finally, after converting the second enclosure's crossover to series, I did another response
comparison. As you can see, there are still differences between boxes, with one tweeter being
more efficient than the other. This alone would account for some of the differences seen in the
series-parallel comparison.
Figure 3.5 - Frequency Response Comparison, Series vs. Parallel
The glitch at 7kHz appears to be caused by a diffraction, probably from the woofer's surround
(which projects slightly from the frame, and is at the correct distance for that frequency). As for
sound differences between the series and parallel connections, there was very little that I could
hear. The microphone is much more sensitive to small variations than the ear, and there are
quite dramatic variations in response as one moves around - far greater than the differences
measured between the series and parallel connections. This shows up readily if one moves the
measurement mic even a small distance, and the fact that the two sets of response graphs look
quite different is evidence of this. The mic was moved about 50mm further away from the
speakers for the second chart.
Spectral decay plots were also done, but are not shown - there are marginal differences as one
would expect from the frequency response variations, but little else.
So, although a simulation shows that a first order series crossover is superior to its parallel
equivalent, the fact is that the differences are slight. The evidence was sufficiently compelling for
me to change the crossovers in my PC speakers, but the huge difference in sound quality one
might expect was not forthcoming. More revealing drivers may well sound better to a critical
listener, but the differences are hardly "chalk and cheese" as some may imply.
3.1 - Series & Parallel Networks are (Virtually) Identical ...
Despite the differences that have been shown, the loudspeaker drivers should always be
carefully equalised with zobel networks to achieve a flat impedance. Once the impedance is flat,
it is resistive, and as has been shown above, the two networks are virtually identical with
it is resistive, and as has been shown above, the two networks are virtually identical with
resistive loads. Therefore, it follows that properly executed zobels (and a notch filter for the
tweeter resonance) will cause real-world series and parallel crossover networks to behave in an
identical manner, with the (relatively) small difference of woofer back EMF applied to the
tweeter.
The phase and transient response of both filters will match exactly with impedance equalisation,
so in a properly designed crossover network, there is nothing to choose between the two.
Certainly, the parallel variant is easier to design, and this alone is probably a good reason to
stay with a parallel crossover - and probably also explains why the vast majority of loudspeaker
designers use parallel rather than serial. In addition, a serial crossover cannot be biamped or
biwired (assuming that you consider this important).
It is safe to say that neither crossover is possessed of any magic (only skill), so be very wary of
any claims that a particular crossover design is "vastly superior" or "infinitely more transparent"
(or any other hyperbole that may be thrust upon you) in advertising material. All crossovers, and
indeed, all loudspeakers, are a compromise. While the "form factor" of the crossover is relatively
unimportant, the skill and patience required to execute it properly is what really counts.
Articles Index
Main Index
Copyright Notice. This article, including but not limited to all text and diagrams, is the intellectual property of Rod
Elliott, and is Copyright 2003. Reproduction or re-publication by any means whatsoever, whether electronic,
mechanical or electro- mechanical, is strictly prohibited under International Copyright laws. The author (Rod Elliott)
grants the reader the right to use this information for personal use only, and further allows that one (1) copy may
be made for reference. Commercial use is prohibited without express written authorisation from Rod Elliott.
Page created and copyright 30 Jun 2003./ Published 14 Aug 2003

Series vs. Parallel Crossover Networks

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Resultados da pesquisa de http://www.audioscientific.com/122_Op_amp_linearizes_response_of_FET_VCA.

jpg no Google 09/03/18 18:56

The Audio Pages

Copyright 2003 - Rod Elliott (ESP)

1.0 - First Order Comparison

Figure 1.1 - Series and Parallel 1st Order Filters

Figure 1.2 - Frequency Response and Summed Output

Figure 1.3 - Phase Response

1.2 - Impedance Variations

Figure 1.4 - Parallel, Variable Woofer Impedance

Figure 1.5 - Series, Variable Woofer Impedance

Figure 1.6 - Series, 20Woofer, 3 Tweeter

Figure 1.7 - Series, Woofer Back EMF Attenuation

component values are used.

2.0 - Second Order Comparison

(where Z is impedance, f is frequency, 2 is 1.414, and is 3.14159)

A series crossover design is different in terms of the component values

The values used for the simulations were as follows

Figure 2.1 - Series and Parallel 2nd Order Filters

2.2 - Impedance Variations

Figure 2.2 - Series and Parallel - Woofer at 4

Figure 2.3 - Series and Parallel - Woofer at 12

Figure 2.4 - Series and Parallel - Woofer Back EMF Current

Figure 2.5 - Series, Woofer Back EMF Rejection

Figure 3.1 - Series & Parallel, With Simulated Drivers

Figure 3.2 - Transient Response, 1kHz Squarewave Signal

Figure 3.3 - Impedance Comparison, Series vs. Parallel

Figure 3.4 - Frequency Response Comparison, Series vs. Parallel

Figure 3.5 - Frequency Response Comparison, Series vs. Parallel

3.1 - Series & Parallel Networks are (Virtually) Identical ...

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