Loudspeaker Crossover Setting

If you have smaller "satellite" type speakers in your system you may want to experiment with higher than "normal" crossover points for them. 80hz tends to work best in most systems for a variety of reasons. But smaller speakers will often begin to sound strained / harsh much lower than 120hz or even 150hz. This is particularly true at louder volume levels. Ideally you can find accurate frequency response measurements for your speakers to use as a gauge for the crossover over setting. Here is one example.

http://www.soundandvision.com/content/gallo-acoustics-nucleus-micro-se-speaker-system-test-bench

If you look at the purple trace you can see the frequency response begins a sharp dive around 200hz. Yet, these speakers are rated to 80hz by the manufacturer.
These would likely sound best with a crossover much higher than 80hz. If you use low to moderate volume levels 120hz may work adequately. But I would try 150hz too. One important consideration here is the subwoofer....both in terms of placement and frequency bandwidth. When using a higher than typical crossover for the full range channels you also need to ensure the subwoofer's bandwidth will extend high enough to meet(ideally overlap a bit) the crossover point chosen. So if you want the ability to experiment with a crossover of 150hz be sure the subwoofer extends up to 150hz(past it a bit actually) without any major deviations in the sub's response curve.
Also, subwoofer placement may need to be tweaked a bit too. Generally, the higher the crossover point for the subwoofer the more likely the system will sound best with the subwoofer in the front sound stage(located between the main left/right speakers). This will minimize potential localization of the subwoofer when it is producing higher frequencies.

Tom V.
Power Sound Audio