question about DIY HLCD tower setups

[Cam003]

I am thinking of building some HLCD new tower speakers, and was wondering if i used 8ohm speakers is there any drawbacks to using a 4 ohm passive crossover?

[Mikeski]

I hate to be blunt but if you are asking that level of question you are getting yourself into a project that is way over your head from a technology capability standpoint. HLCD crossovers are not trivial. An the answer to your question is no a 4 ohm crossover will not work on an 8 ohm speaker, at least not at the intended crossover points.

[EarmarkMarine]

I have to agree with Mikeski 1000 percent.
Off-the-shelf crossovers are useless even if they are biased for the correct impedance. A speaker does not have a linear impedance curve or output curve. And any change in impedance changes either the crossover frequency, slope or amplitude at that point. It really becomes problematic when you approach the tweeter's resonance which is relatively high. Its far too complex of a design for someone who isn't well initiated. Yes, you can assemble them yourself, enjoy the DIY process and create a very loud speaker for less but they aren't likely to sound good. I've heard many do the same, even some ME dealers, and without exception I would prefer to hear nothing at all over the strident results.

David
Earmark Marine