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|CR-1
PRODUCT OVERVIEW
CR-1 acts an audiophile-grade “bridge”, seamlessly connecting a two-channel
audio system with a top-ight, powered subwoofer system. Powerful features and
a pristine, all-analog signal path make it a key component in optimizing an audio
system’s spatial and spectral performance. To minimize distortion and noise,
CR-1 employs top-grade component parts in its all-analog audio circuitry: 1%
precision resistors, JFET-input audio-grade op-amps, polypropylene lm-and-foil
capacitors and metallized-polypropylene lm capacitors, to name just a few. is
attention to component quality makes CR-1 a worthy partner to the nest audio
preampliers and ampliers.
CR-1’s input-output design makes it equally adaptable to studio, mastering
suite or audiophile, two-channel playback environments. Inputs and outputs are
provided for balanced (XLR or 1/4-inch TRS) and unbalanced (RCA) sources.
Independent buering of balanced and unbalanced outputs is employed, to
reduce the likelihood of noise. JL Audio’s dierential input technology eectively
rejects common-mode hum and noise on the unbalanced inputs.
From the CR-1’s stereo inputs, you can derive either a single “mono” (Le
+ Right) subwoofer signal, or separate signals, for separate le and right
subwoofers. A front-panel switch allows you to select between these modes.
e CR-1’s crossover functionality is built around two banks of high
precision, low-pass and high-pass Linkwitz-Riley lters. ese can be set as
12 dB/octave (moderate cuto slope) or 24 dB/octave (steeper cuto slope), via
a front-panel switch. For each lter pair, the cuto frequency is fully variable
from 30 Hz – 150 Hz via rotary controls. Behind these knobs, multiplying DACs
with monolithic ratio matching are employed to adjust the analog circuit’s lter
frequencies. is digitally–controlled, analog lter circuitry allows for high
precision in making frequency adjustments and facilitates precise matching
between the le and right channels for the ultimate in crossover delity and
transparency. e CR-1 oers 167 individual cuto frequency choices between
the 30 Hz and 150 Hz limits, in 0.70 Hz steps.
Another of CR-1’s unique and powerful features is the ability to alter the
damping behavior of each lter bank. Properly used, the CR-1’s damping controls
can improve the acoustic summing through the crossover region, compensating for
each speaker system’s frequency response and the way they acoustically interact.
At the center of the CR-1’s front panel, a convenient balance control permits ne
level adjustment of the subwoofer and satellite speakers, relative to one another.
is is useful for tweaking the sub/satellite balance to compensate for listening
conditions or program material, while always being able to easily return to the
reference setting. Each of the CR-1’s output channels can also be independently
muted via front-panel switches to aid in system setup and troubleshooting.
To facilitate sharing your subwoofer(s) between a home theater system and
a dedicated 2-channel system, the CR-1 has a special bypass feature, accessible
via a front-panel switch. When this bypass is engaged, the CR-1 will pass signals
connected to its dedicated managed bass inputs, completely bypassing the CR-
1’s crossover circuitry and level controls. is allows you to use your room’s
subwoofers for both 2-channel audio (via the CR-1’s bass management) and
multichannel audio (via your pre-pro or receiver’s bass management).
As you can see from this brief introduction, the CR-1 packs a lot of useful
technology and functionality. Please read the following sections thoroughly to
properly connect and set up your CR-1.
