Doug Schroeder Method, Double ic

alexatpos, unless there is a reason to take caution with operating a particular speaker on the other outputs, I make it a point just to see what the resultant sound is like to try speakers on all amp outputs, i.e. 4,8,16 ohm. The results can be surprising, and often I prefer one setting that is not aligned with the minimum impedance of the speaker. You will definitely have a different result with each of the outputs. One might be superior. In many instances speakers that were rated 8 Ohm sound much better to me as the 4 Ohm outputs are used. One simply has to try in order to determine which is holistically superior. My point was that it may help to isolate an influence why the double IC is not to your liking. 

Stringreen, if both of the Schroeder Method ICs are similar type, ie. XLR, you could swap the short one with the longer to see if there is an immediate degradation due to the length. Set up the rig and get used to the sound again at baseline. Then swap the two double ICs for comparison. Could be interesting. 

Douglas, speaker outpus on tube amps are not exactly correct. It is generally known that factorys declare a ’middle’ impedance. The lower the impedance of the nominal is the bigger problem, so the transformers are counted with that in mind, typically the 4 ohm output is calculated for about 3.2 ohms and 8 ohms for 6-7 ohms. So, one level of flexibility is already included in any construction. 2) The operation of the speaker impedance above the declared on the amplifier increases the damping factor, decreasing the output power and distortion - until the moment of clipping. Working with lower impedance reduces the output power but also increases distortion. Having all that in mind, I prefer to stick to predictable solutions (right output for known impedance)
But, thank you for your advice, I do believe that is important to have an open mind, more so in audio, because there are lots of things that laymans or even experts cant explain and yet they are audible

doug - do you plan on reviewing any of the Exogal Vortex streamers ? Simple yes or no will suffice . Thanks,mike

Doug....there is no doubt about it now. The Schroeder cables are the very best I’ve heard in my system. I’ve tried many levels of Cardas, Kimber, Purist, Wireworld, Audioquest (interesting to me is that the ultra high level of Signature cables was not nearly as good as their top lesser grades), etc., etc. None have the openess, dynamics, depth, etc. as your cables do....and far less money. Bravo! Perhaps each system just has its preferences...I don’t know. It takes a couple of days to find the gold, but for those who are trying it, be patient and enjoy. It was so interesting to hear the journey. At first....rolled highs, no real, but tubby bass, no air. All the sound seemed to be coming from the left speaker grill cloth. I even checked the attachments to see if I wired it correctly. I really couldn’t hear as it was changing....just a realization that the soloist was now dead center...then came the openness..... The low bass was next. I have Vandersteen 5A speakers which was set up by Vandersteen himself who proclaimed my room was just not capable of those really low tones....yet...they are now evident....they are clean, pitch specific, and fully incorporated in the sonic picture. I can go on, but I simply encourage all to try these cables in your own system.

maplegrovemusic, yes, I would like to review the Vortex.