The right crossover installed in a car’s audio system could mean a huge difference in the resulting sound.
In our opinion, the best crossover on the list is the DS18 XM6LD because no other unit can offer that many tone-shaping capabilities in such an easy-to-use and install package. Moreover, with the addition of a remote control, you can dial in exactly the level of rumble the party needs.
We’ve divided the crossovers into active and passive to make your choice easier. So, read on, learn about the different options and get the best crossover for your car.
Crossovers We Recommend
| Image | Crossovers | Active/Passive | Channels |
 | Our Pick Passive Check Price | Passive | 3 |
 | Our Pick Active Check Price | Active | 2, 4, or 6 |
 | Budget Check Price | Passive | 3 |
Best Active Crossovers
DS18 XM6LD 6-way Active Crossover
This DS18 6-way active crossover looks like a starship landing in your car’s stereo system. Indeed, this unit is capable of some serious tone-shaping that can transform your listening experience into a sonic journey.
To begin with, you can divide the sound output into subwoofers, mid-range speakers, and tweeters easily. Moreover, the flexibility this unit offers is unmatched by any of the competition because of the 2, 4, and 6-channel selectors to organize the unit’s 12 RCA inputs/outputs.
Sound-wise, the XM6LD offers you control over each frequency range and the ability to bypass such control simplifying the operation. Also, for those who love pumping lows in their stereo, the dedicated subwoofer output offers a plethora of options including phase, a mono/stereo switch, and a dedicated level knob in the handy remote control.
Finding this flexibility and power in a crossover is very difficult; try one of these today and see the difference for yourself.
American Bass Black 3-Way ABX 3.1A
The American Bass ABX-3.1A 3-Way active crossover is designed to take your car audio to the next level by eliminating the bottlenecks caused by passive crossovers. So, what’s the result? Well, the crystal clear sound will help you hear all the details in each song, just as the artist intended.
One of the best things about the American Bass ABX-3.1A is that it comes with a remote level control that makes it convenient to tweak your audio to your liking without fumbling around in your car’s dash. Plus, it is made by American Bass, a company with over 35 years of experience in the car audio industry. They are known for their high-quality products and excellent customer service, so you know you are getting a top-notch product.
Another good thing I like is that the ABX-3.1A can be used with multiple speakers and subwoofers, which means that you can create a fully customized audio setup tailored to your preferences. This gives you a lot of versatility in terms of what you can do with your car audio.
So, if you are serious about upgrading your car audio, I would suggest you check out the ABX-3.1A. Who knows, it may be a game-changer for you!
Clarion MCD360 2/3-Way 6-Channel Electronic Crossover
A crossover that is as capable and easy to use as this Clarion is nothing short of a discovery in the market. Indeed, you can fine-tune your music and attach up to 6 channels via RCA including subwoofers with a dedicated out. Speaking of which, you also get an 18dB subwoofer level booster to get the party started with those pumping lows.
Moving over to the mid and high-frequency outputs, you get two rear and two front outputs so you can filter exactly what you want to have going in the front and in the back of the car. Finally, there is also a ground connection and a hi-pass filter available to get rid of the noise and harshness.
This 3-way active crossover by Clarion offers everything you need and features a handy remote control too. It is a must-check before buying.
Hifonics HFXR 2/3-Way Crossover
Made of shiny chrome, this 2/3-way crossover is all you need in a simple package with remote control.
To begin with, the subwoofer crossover features a 12dB bass boost, a phase inverter, and a mono/stereo mode as well as frequency and volume adjustments. These many controls to manage the subwoofer give you a plethora of options to fine-tune the low-end in music.
On top of the subwoofer controls, the unit offers a pair of hi-pass crossovers for the rear and front speakers. Both crossovers offer the user the ability to modify the frequency and volume of the signal. In the case of the hi-pass, for example, you can choose from 32 to 400 Hz.
Finally, the addition of a ground connection to get rid of noise and a shiny, chrome remote control makes this an amazing option for any ride with a decent sound system.
Taramp’s CRX 4 4-Way Active Crossover
To begin talking about this Taramp crossover, it is important to highlight the company’s motto: designed for the audio enthusiast with competition-level sound in mind. That is exactly what you can expect from this 4-way active crossover.
The first thing to note about this unit is that it offers the user the option to divide the often-problematic mid frequencies into two sides: mid-lows and mid-highs. In other words, Taramp has solved the problem music lovers have faced countless times easily.
Therefore, the sound filtering for this active unit works in four bands: lows, mid-lows, mid-highs, and highs. On one hand, the tweeter’s output (AKA high-frequency) gets HPF and Level controls. On the other hand, the high-mid and low-mid frequencies add the UPF control. Finally, the low frequencies offer a boost level, UPF, and Level control.
Although a remote control is much missed, the ground connections and overall design make this a great choice as a set-it-and-forget-it unit.
Best Passive Crossovers
Focal A3-XO 3-Way Passive Crossovers
Focal is a brand that needs no introduction in terms of audio and builds quality. Moreover, it is not uncommon to find Focal as standard equipment in high-end cars all over the planet. This passive crossover is no exception to this brand’s flawless reputation as an automotive (and audiophile) supplier of top-notch equipment.
To begin with, the screw-on terminals for woofers, mid-range speakers, and tweeters make connections as simple as possible. Moreover, they come in pairs so you can mirror your actions on both sides of the signal to achieve optimum results easily and fast.
Also, the premium components utilized by Focal make every division of the signal crystal clear. As a result, the audio coming out of the speakers will be balanced, powerful, and defined.
Focal is a brand you can trust, check out their take on a passive 3-way crossover before buying anything else.
Audio Pipe CRX-303 3-Way Crossover
This super-small passive 3-way crossover by Audio Pipe is the perfect example of a tiny unit that can perform a great task. Indeed, this crossover is small enough to fit even the tightest spots but powerful enough to change your car’s audio drastically.
To begin with, this unit offers screw-on connections for the input and three dedicated outputs for woofers, mid-range speakers, and tweeters. The audio coming in goes through a series of high-grade polymer capacitors that divide the frequencies flawlessly delivering each set of speakers the frequency range they excel at reproducing. Also, the ferrite components and air-cooled spools allow this unit to handle up to 300 watts of peak power.
For those after a small solution for their ride that can get the job done with minimal wiring, this is a great candidate.
DS18 PRO-CFX 2-Way Passive Crossover
With a very clever, small, compact, and easy-to-install design, this unit by DS18 is the perfect passive solution for any car’s sound system.
To begin with, these crossovers need no power to do their job. This translates into a very capable unit that can handle up to 300 watts needing no extra power connections and performing flawlessly day after day.
Moreover, the design by DS18 ensures perfect frequency distribution for any sound system. In other words, this crossover is finely tuned from the factory to make sure you enjoy maximum clarity and the perfect peak efficiency when playing your favorite tunes on the move.
Finally, the KSV coil type and the screw-on terminals make all connections as easy as they are secure. Whether it is a DIY project or a professional ride, you need to check this passive crossover before buying anything else.
Rockford Fosgate PP4-X Punch Pro Crossovers
If you are trying to simply divide the signal into different ranges of speakers, this unit is a perfect choice. To begin with, it offers a tweeter attenuator which is super handy to avoid harshness and other unwanted high-frequency noises. Also, it can connect up to two woofer outputs providing a 6dB/octave low-pass filter.
Moreover, those who have installed Rockford Fosgate Punch Pro speakers in their rides will find that this crossover is a match made in heaven for them. Indeed, every nuance and component of this utterly capable crossover was made specifically to match the impedance and sound sensitivity of the Punch Pro speaker range.
Finally, the unit comes equipped with all the needed elements to mount it, and, you’ll notice right away, it is a great candidate to be installed in a visible spot for being such a good-looking unit.
If you want a simple solution to a common problem with a well-made, great-sounding, good-looking unit, you have to check this 2-way passive crossover out before buying.
FAQ
What are Active Crossovers?
Active crossovers need electricity to filter the signal. Moreover, they require ground connections as well to remove unwanted noises. That being said, the active quality in their performance allows the user further flexibility and fine-tuning control over the music.
What are Passive Crossovers?
Passive crossovers perform a similar task to active crossovers but with two very different qualities: they don’t need the power to operate and they can’t offer so many audio tuning capabilities. On the good part, they are easier to install, on the not-so-good part, they are, mostly, one-trick ponies.
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Last update on 2024-12-21 / Affiliate links / *Image Disclaimer: We use images/data from Amazon Product Advertising API solely on products that link to Amazon. On products with the "Price at Crutchfield" button, we use images/data from Crutchfield.com as per the partnership deal.
