I have been using the Sublime Acoustic K231 since May 2021 and since then I have tried a couple much more expensive units, as much as $3500, in an attempt to improve my system, however, each time I came back to the K231 and realized it's just better in every way.
About
Sublime Acoustic LLC was founded in 2015 to design and produce high-quality analog active crossovers at an affordable price. Since bringing up our very first prototypes it became clear how active crossovers have the power to deliver unmatched clarity, detail, and warmth — offering significant and notable improvement over the sound of passive crossovers.
Active crossovers split highs and lows at the low voltage line-level signal stage, allowing the use of superior precision components. That’s why professional sound studios and live venues have relied on them for decades. So why hasn't the concept of analog active bi-amping permeated into the the consumer or even pro-sumer audio space? Simple -- it's the cost — high quality audiophile grade analog active crossovers have traditionally started at $3000 and up.
We at Sublime Acoustic intend to change that. Our goal in life is to bring the benefits of crystal clear analog active bi-amping into a more affordable price range. By using only the best Burr-Brown op amps, audiophile-grade passive components like metal film resistors, metalized polypropylene capacitors, ALPS metal film potentiometers, and ultra-precise 0.1% tolerance filter components, our crossovers ensure distortion-free accuracy, unmatched transparency, and an un-detectable noise floor —at a price point that's accessible to every audio enthusiast.
Customer Reviews
Using it to integrate my subwoofers, and I am impressed that I can't detect any coloration to the signal yet I can clearly hear changes I make upstream. I am really enjoying the improvement in soundstage. Incredible value for money.
I use horns that are ruthlessly revealing of any noise or distortion in the signal; well I can tell you, this K231 is the cleanest crossover I've heard by a very large margin; incredible clarity and detail, precise summing of frequencies, vanishingly low noise floor, all that translates into fantastic musicality and an open window on the music. And dynamics? Oh my lord! through the roof!
The improvement in the sound is incredible. The bass is more solid and each bass note is crisp and distinct. And the high end, well I'm impressed. The first thing I noticed was the harshness was gone, it was so smooth.
Within an hour of first knob twiddle, my Pure Audio Project Trio15TB speakers, (Pass ACA 1.6 high pass and First Watt M2 mid pass) and ML 700W stereo subs (using LFE input from low pass out on K231) absolutely leveled me in my comfy chair. Total winner.
Without a doubt Sublime active crossovers are a MASSIVE upgrade over passive, there's such a measureable improvement it's hard to believe these aren't standard for top tier systems. The difference in sound reminds me of when your ears pop, days after being on an airplane. Sublime Acoustic is an asset to the audiophile community, first class gear and five star customer service.
Sublime Acoustic's K231 hands us a cost-effective alternative to the irrational use of passive crossovers in speakers and pulls back the "cloud"- the dullness- of post-amplifier filtering from our music. The K231 is low distortion, frequencies are very easily tweaked and its audio signature is smooth and clear after burn in. The form factor is clean and elegant. This is the crossover I have been waiting for.
