ALK Universal crossover network
ALK Engineering Universal upgrade (The original "ALK") for the Klipsch balancing networks found in the Klipschorn, La Scala and Belle Klipsch.
Finished network, built by ALK, using all Sonicaps.
Each set comes with computer generated performace data.
$559.00:
Enlarge
The kit version, built by YOU, using Sonicaps in the most critical places.
$339.00:
Enlarge
Actual measured performance
Weight: 15 Lbs.
Shipping box:
Finished: 15 x 12 x 10 Inch
Kit: 12 x 10 x 4 Inch
Estimate shipping cost
This single network design can replace the stock Klipsch networks
for the Klipschorn, LaScala and Belle Klipsch because it uses a very gentle
slope filter to transition between the woofer horn and squawker horn. The horns
themselves establish the true acoustic crossover. It does this in the same way
as the Klipsch "AA" network which was used in all three speakers in the early
1970s. It can be considered a modern redesign inspired by the "AA" but far
superior in every way.
- Sonicap metalized Polypropylene capacitors are used. All capacitors are
matched sets. These capacitors have virtually no dissipation. The kit
version is supplied with Solen FastCaps in place of the white Sonicaps
used in the finished version.
- Available in matched sets of 2 or 3 networks.
- Inductors are high "Q" Solen "Perfect lay" #14 AWG Litz wire
for the squawker / tweeter crossover and Solen solid #12 AWG for the
woofer inductor. All air-core. The quality factors (losses) of these
inductors is about three times that used by Klipsch.
- A specially designed autotransformer having low DC resistance and
tight coupling provides taps to allow squawker level setting changes by
the customer. The choices will be approximately 4.6, 6.2, 6.7, 7.4, 9.5,
10.4 and 12.5 dB attenuation selected without soldering by push-on terminals.
The normal setting will be 6.2 dB. This adjustment will also allow the use
of 8 Ohm squawker drivers without modification.
- Easy installation via a screw-terminal barrier block exactly like
that used by Klipsch. All driver connections will be in the same
order and location. Only a screwdriver will be needed unless you have the
"AK" series network in a Klipschorn. This network requires a little more work
to replace. Contact ALK Engineering for details.
- Bi-Wire capable (use separate cables to carry high and low frequencies).
- Crossover rates are 6 dB / Octave on the woofer. 12 dB /
Octave on the squawker and 18 dB / octave on the tweeter.
- Crossover frequency is 400 Hz from woofer to squawker and 6000 Hz from
squawker to tweeter.
- The network is a true multiplexer providing constant load impedance
to the amplifier. The amplifier sees the speaker drivers, not the network!
With the woofer and tweeter outputs terminated in 8 Ohms and the squawker
output terminated by 13 Ohms, the input polar impedance to the network is
approximately 8 Ohms +-1 Ohm at +-10 degrees from 20 Hz to 20 KHz.
- Easily replaceable fast-blow 1.5 Amp fuse in a socket protects the woofer.
- Each network pair comes with measured proof of performance data.
Don't turn the clock on your Klipsch back to 1975
with a newly built A or AA "Clone", when you can turn it forward with a modern
design!
Why not? Here's why not!
Two frequently asked and related questions:
1-Why is this network called the "Universal"?
2-Can I change the woofer / squawker crossover up higher to allow me to
replace the K55 driver with a better one since most will only go down to 500
or 800 Hz?
Here's the answer to both questions:
Why is the ALK Universal network "universal"
View the Universal upgrade network installation guide
(pdf format, Size: 400K)
Universal upgrade network parts kits
We are now making parts kits available for the Universal upgrade network.
The kit includes all the parts except wire and solder. This includes the
pre-drilled base board, matched sets of capacitors and a 12 page step-by-step
instruction book with over 40 illustrations. The price is a considerable
savings compared to the fully built and tested networks.
Here's what comes with the kit
The design for this network is available for the do-it-yourself entheusiast
from the Downloads section
The CornScala-Wall economy Universal
The economy network for the 3-way CornScala or Cornwall.
- Similar in design and sound quality to the Universal network.
- A true 3-way network including a full crossover from squawker to tweeter at 6000 Hz (bandpass) allowing the use of any quality wide-range squawker driver or the Klipsch K55.
- The low frequency crossover is 1st order and roughly 600 Hz. The actual crossover frequency is acoustic and determined by the woofer and squawker driver and horn making it truly "Universal".
- Can be used in nearly all Klipsch based 3-way loudspeakers except the Klipschorn. This includes most CornScala configurations, the Cornwall or even the Heresy.
- Includes adjustable levels for the squawker by transformer tap changes.
- A stable 2, 4, 6 or 8 dB plug-selected L-pad is included to adjust the tweeter level.
- Constant 6 to 8 Ohms resistive load impedance to the amplifier.
- An affordable no-compromise design built with no nonsense parts including low loss Litz wire inductors.
- Price: $299.00 for a set of two.
Accepting orders now.
Weight: 14 Lbs.
Shipping box:
Finished: 15 x 12 x 10 Inch
Estimate shipping cost