Kudos Sigao Drive
The Next Evolution in Loudspeaker Crossover Design
Our British loudspeaker manufacturer Kudos Audio has introduced the Sigao Drive, a groundbreaking external crossover system. Simply put, the Sigao Drive is the only external crossover designed from the ground up to unlock the full potential of Kudos loudspeakers. Highly configurable and innovative, the Sigao Drive sets a new standard in crossover technology.
A Crossover Reimagined
The primary role of a crossover is to split an audio signal into distinct frequency bands and route these signals to the appropriate drivers in a multi-way loudspeaker. Traditionally, crossovers are housed within the loudspeaker cabinet, situated between the power amplifier and the speaker drivers. This "passive" design, however, presents significant limitations: the power amplifier cannot exert full, unrestricted control over the driver due to the intervening crossover components. Additionally, these components can introduce unavoidable side effects such as noise and distortion.
To overcome these challenges and achieve the highest possible audio quality, multiple power amplifiers can be employed, each directly driving a single driver. In this setup, the audio signal is split at the signal level—before the power amplifiers—rather than at the speaker level. Kudos Audio refers to this as an “active” crossover approach.
However, the Sigao Drive takes active crossovers to the next level. While it functions as an active filter, it operates without a power supply or active components. By ensuring a direct connection between the amplifier’s output and the driver’s voice coil, the Sigao Drive preserves the benefits of active configuration. At the same time, the absence of a power supply achieves an unprecedented level of noise reduction and sonic clarity, according to Kudos Audio.
Revolutionary Design
The Sigao Drive eliminates the need for a power supply while occupying the traditional active crossover position within the signal chain. At the heart of its design are new, ultra-high-quality inductors (three per channel), which enable the Sigao Drive to deliver superior control over both the power amplifier and the loudspeaker driver compared to conventional passive or active alternatives.
Kudos Audio’s design team has meticulously addressed issues such as microphony and noise to ensure the utmost purity of the audio signal. The internal crossover is mounted on ten specially designed decoupling mounts, featuring proprietary rubber components for PCB isolation. Every internal electronic component is individually isolated from the circuit board, with precise alignment and positioning to manage magnetic fields effectively. This design minimizes the impact of vibrations, room acoustics, and electronic interference on crossover performance.
Compatibility and Versatility
Previously, Kudos Audio loudspeakers in active configurations were compatible with only a limited selection of audio brands. cfr Linn. The Sigao Drive changes this by offering extensive compatibility across a wide range of amplifiers.
Thanks to a carefully calibrated resistor network in its output stage, the Sigao Drive is versatile enough to work seamlessly with the entire Kudos Audio loudspeaker portfolio and almost any amplifier brand available. This flexibility opens up nearly limitless possibilities for pairing Kudos speakers with electronics.
When purchasing the Sigao Drive, it is custom-fitted with the appropriate connectors for both Kudos loudspeakers and the selected power amplifiers. Should you later upgrade your speakers or amplifiers, the Sigao Drive remains usable with only a simple connector swap—no need to replace the unit itself.
The Next Evolution in Loudspeaker Crossover Design
Our British loudspeaker manufacturer Kudos Audio has introduced the Sigao Drive, a groundbreaking external crossover system. Simply put, the Sigao Drive is the only external crossover designed from the ground up to unlock the full potential of Kudos loudspeakers. Highly configurable and innovative, the Sigao Drive sets a new standard in crossover technology.
A Crossover Reimagined
The primary role of a crossover is to split an audio signal into distinct frequency bands and route these signals to the appropriate drivers in a multi-way loudspeaker. Traditionally, crossovers are housed within the loudspeaker cabinet, situated between the power amplifier and the speaker drivers. This "passive" design, however, presents significant limitations: the power amplifier cannot exert full, unrestricted control over the driver due to the intervening crossover components. Additionally, these components can introduce unavoidable side effects such as noise and distortion.
To overcome these challenges and achieve the highest possible audio quality, multiple power amplifiers can be employed, each directly driving a single driver. In this setup, the audio signal is split at the signal level—before the power amplifiers—rather than at the speaker level. Kudos Audio refers to this as an “active” crossover approach.
However, the Sigao Drive takes active crossovers to the next level. While it functions as an active filter, it operates without a power supply or active components. By ensuring a direct connection between the amplifier’s output and the driver’s voice coil, the Sigao Drive preserves the benefits of active configuration. At the same time, the absence of a power supply achieves an unprecedented level of noise reduction and sonic clarity, according to Kudos Audio.
Revolutionary Design
The Sigao Drive eliminates the need for a power supply while occupying the traditional active crossover position within the signal chain. At the heart of its design are new, ultra-high-quality inductors (three per channel), which enable the Sigao Drive to deliver superior control over both the power amplifier and the loudspeaker driver compared to conventional passive or active alternatives.
Kudos Audio’s design team has meticulously addressed issues such as microphony and noise to ensure the utmost purity of the audio signal. The internal crossover is mounted on ten specially designed decoupling mounts, featuring proprietary rubber components for PCB isolation. Every internal electronic component is individually isolated from the circuit board, with precise alignment and positioning to manage magnetic fields effectively. This design minimizes the impact of vibrations, room acoustics, and electronic interference on crossover performance.
Compatibility and Versatility
Previously, Kudos Audio loudspeakers in active configurations were compatible with only a limited selection of audio brands. cfr Linn. The Sigao Drive changes this by offering extensive compatibility across a wide range of amplifiers.
Thanks to a carefully calibrated resistor network in its output stage, the Sigao Drive is versatile enough to work seamlessly with the entire Kudos Audio loudspeaker portfolio and almost any amplifier brand available. This flexibility opens up nearly limitless possibilities for pairing Kudos speakers with electronics.
When purchasing the Sigao Drive, it is custom-fitted with the appropriate connectors for both Kudos loudspeakers and the selected power amplifiers. Should you later upgrade your speakers or amplifiers, the Sigao Drive remains usable with only a simple connector swap—no need to replace the unit itself.
The Next Evolution in Loudspeaker Crossover Design
Our British loudspeaker manufacturer Kudos Audio has introduced the Sigao Drive, a groundbreaking external crossover system. Simply put, the Sigao Drive is the only external crossover designed from the ground up to unlock the full potential of Kudos loudspeakers. Highly configurable and innovative, the Sigao Drive sets a new standard in crossover technology.
A Crossover Reimagined
The primary role of a crossover is to split an audio signal into distinct frequency bands and route these signals to the appropriate drivers in a multi-way loudspeaker. Traditionally, crossovers are housed within the loudspeaker cabinet, situated between the power amplifier and the speaker drivers. This "passive" design, however, presents significant limitations: the power amplifier cannot exert full, unrestricted control over the driver due to the intervening crossover components. Additionally, these components can introduce unavoidable side effects such as noise and distortion.
To overcome these challenges and achieve the highest possible audio quality, multiple power amplifiers can be employed, each directly driving a single driver. In this setup, the audio signal is split at the signal level—before the power amplifiers—rather than at the speaker level. Kudos Audio refers to this as an “active” crossover approach.
However, the Sigao Drive takes active crossovers to the next level. While it functions as an active filter, it operates without a power supply or active components. By ensuring a direct connection between the amplifier’s output and the driver’s voice coil, the Sigao Drive preserves the benefits of active configuration. At the same time, the absence of a power supply achieves an unprecedented level of noise reduction and sonic clarity, according to Kudos Audio.
Revolutionary Design
The Sigao Drive eliminates the need for a power supply while occupying the traditional active crossover position within the signal chain. At the heart of its design are new, ultra-high-quality inductors (three per channel), which enable the Sigao Drive to deliver superior control over both the power amplifier and the loudspeaker driver compared to conventional passive or active alternatives.
Kudos Audio’s design team has meticulously addressed issues such as microphony and noise to ensure the utmost purity of the audio signal. The internal crossover is mounted on ten specially designed decoupling mounts, featuring proprietary rubber components for PCB isolation. Every internal electronic component is individually isolated from the circuit board, with precise alignment and positioning to manage magnetic fields effectively. This design minimizes the impact of vibrations, room acoustics, and electronic interference on crossover performance.
Compatibility and Versatility
Previously, Kudos Audio loudspeakers in active configurations were compatible with only a limited selection of audio brands. cfr Linn. The Sigao Drive changes this by offering extensive compatibility across a wide range of amplifiers.
Thanks to a carefully calibrated resistor network in its output stage, the Sigao Drive is versatile enough to work seamlessly with the entire Kudos Audio loudspeaker portfolio and almost any amplifier brand available. This flexibility opens up nearly limitless possibilities for pairing Kudos speakers with electronics.
When purchasing the Sigao Drive, it is custom-fitted with the appropriate connectors for both Kudos loudspeakers and the selected power amplifiers. Should you later upgrade your speakers or amplifiers, the Sigao Drive remains usable with only a simple connector swap—no need to replace the unit itself.