B-460 subwoofer - need help

[markus_tirol]

I just purchased an original JBL B-460 subwoofer on ebay - (as an addendum for my 250 ti´s). At least it used to be original at some time ..... . It looks in good working order but it seems not to have a crossover built in . When I hooked it up it sounds like a (bad) wide band speaker - with a wide frequency range. I did not open the cabinet yet - so I do not know if it has or does not have a crossover.

Does anybody know about the B-460 subwooofer and which crossover it originally had.

Also I would like to know what is the supposed power rating for the amp to drive it properly.

I am from Austria - so please excuse my not perfect english...

[Steve Gonzales]

You need the BX-63 electronic crossover that was the mate for the B460/B380. You are correct in your impression of the B460's sound without this vital piece of gear as it does not contain any crossover internally. You can run any brand of crossover (as long as it is of high quality) if you cannot find the semi- rare BX-63. The BX-63 crosses the B460/B380's at 63hz. It sums the Low Frequency information of the left anf right channels and outputs them to a mono channel and an otherwise identical inverted channel to enable bridging a stereo amplifier. At least 300 CLEAN watts from an amp capable of delivering high current would be the bare minimum I would use, 1kw wouldn't scare me at all, just as long as you set it up properly and again, use a VERY high quality amp. Massive, clean and musical bass is what you will get once you find the JBL BX63 or another quality unit. You will also need to pay attention to placement in the room (as much as you can) and balancing the levels between your mains and the sub. Take your time. A few inches can make a big difference although it usually is more like feet in a typical set-up. You've got something special there. Good luck and don't be afraid to ask plenty of questions of the forum members. We also really like to see pictures. Regards, Steve G

[mrbluster]

[QUOTE=Steve Gonzales]It sums the Low Frequency information of the left anf right channels and outputs them to a mono channel and an otherwise identical inverted channel to enable bridging a stereo amplifier.......... Since Bridging would cut the dampening factor in half, and the amplifier would see a 4 ohm load (B-460), in (for example) the case of a 200 watt stereo amp, would this necessarily be an improvement over using one channel? Opinions, suggestions?

Thanks,
Mrbluster

[Zilch]

See the information Giskard posted for you above.

I run B460 directly from the subwoofer output of my preamplifier through a bridged JBL 6260 amplifier. While I do have a BX63A crossover, which has additional features like adjustable crossover frequency (63-125 Hz), I have never used it, since B380 and B460 sound just fine without it. Room response seems to enhance the bass they deliver more than enough for me.

I would not bridge any amplifier that is not specifically made for that. Those typically have a switch to provide their own input inversion on one channel, and no external hardware is required.

[Mr. Widget]

Many folks on this forum seem to like bridging amps. Most of the amps I own have a bridge switch built in and yet I still prefer the sound of 3dB less watts and better damping factor (woofer control). When I need a single channel I just use half the amp... it just sounds better. With most amps if you only use one channel you are taxing the PS less so you also have greater current capacity. Give it a try.

Widget

[Zilch]

I still prefer the sound of 3dB less watts and better damping factor (woofer control).

'Course you could easily get the extra 3 dB AND the damping control by simply running TWO B460's in stereo.

That way, half of the amp isn't sitting idle all the time. We believe in mantaining balance and equilibrium in the universe wherever possible....

[mikebake]

Many folks on this forum seem to like bridging amps. Most of the amps I own have a bridge switch built in and yet I still prefer the sound of 3dB less watts and better damping factor (woofer control). When I need a single channel I just use half the amp... it just sounds better. With most amps if you only use one channel you are taxing the PS less so you also have greater current capacity. Give it a try.

Widget

Funny, that is what I have long done, too. Always seemed to like it better not bridged, so I stopped doing it.......

[4313B]

Does anybody know about the B-460 subwooofer and which crossover it originally had.

Yeah, I think we've all owned a few of them at one time or other...

http://audioheritage.csdco.com/vbull...ead.php?t=4557

http://www.lansingheritage.org/html/...-b380-b460.htm