Wires connect two components together. It is possible to discern subtle differences between them, the mfgrs see to it, then sell their particualare nuance of distortion over some other. Some speak of mixing and matching these characteristics. To me its like scratching a blackboard with your finger nails, it so misses the mark.
I believe there has to be a sonic improvement by biwiring over the use of jumpers, and that it can be proven scientifially by engineers.
Some state-of-the-art systems even power each driver with its own amp. Those with 2 and 3 way active crossovers use two or three amps to power seperate small groups of drivers.
Though those who biamp their passive XO full range tower speakers would do well to put the money elsewhere, unless they just need more power to meet their speaker mfgr recommended requirements (or a little above for a sense of ease at higher playback levels).
An amusing anecdote in this regard is the designer of the Audio Artistry 'Beethoven' $28k Stereophile Speaker of the Year system uses RadioShack Megawire and ICs in his personal system. Though he tested the wire with his engineering expertise and scientific equipment. He says a 10' length of the 12awg provides the best performance, and recommends 12awg is good for 30'. Get this:
'I measured the 16 gauge Megacable from Radio Shack (278-1270) that I use. A 10 foot length has 0.07 ohm resistance, 714 pF of capacitance and 1.9 uH of inductance. The line impedance is 51 ohm. A typical tweeter has a voice coil resistance of 4.7 ohm and 50 uH inductance. At 20 kHz this yields an impedance of about |4.7 + j6.3| = 7.9 ohm. Add to this the cable inductance of j0.24 ohm, and 0.07 ohm resistance for 10 feet, and the impedance becomes 8.09 ohm. This causes a 7.9/8.09 = 0.98 or 0.17 dB reduction in tweeter output at 20 kHz which is insignificant. The cable effect is even less at lower frequencies.'
See what I mean :-) Awesome. Liberating.
So I put over $3000 worth of cables on the market, and
doned a trench coat, shades, and false beard, and stealthed my way into Radio Shack for some of this wire I purchased with my chewing gum allowance.
I expected an audio train wreck when I installed it, but found the system just souned a little more real. Did I feel like a dummy for hours of study, experimentation, and $$$ I expended over what turns out to be nothing at best, and at least a degradation of the systems potential.
Notice what else he said:
'I hope the material presented here (www.linkwitzlab.com) will add to the general understanding of what is necessary for accurate sound reproduction. Regrettably, much misinformation and outright nonsense have been spread to promote certain "high-end audio" products. The power of suggestion works exceedingly well, when listeners cannot trust their own hearing. I recommend to re-calibrate yourself frequently. Listen closely to all sorts of un-amplified sounds in order to recognize and remember natural aural patterns. It becomes an endless and futile pursuit to listen for and try to evaluate differences between speakers, equipment and accessories without a reality based mental reference.'
I believe there has to be a sonic improvement by biwiring over the use of jumpers, and that it can be proven scientifially by engineers.
Some state-of-the-art systems even power each driver with its own amp. Those with 2 and 3 way active crossovers use two or three amps to power seperate small groups of drivers.
Though those who biamp their passive XO full range tower speakers would do well to put the money elsewhere, unless they just need more power to meet their speaker mfgr recommended requirements (or a little above for a sense of ease at higher playback levels).
An amusing anecdote in this regard is the designer of the Audio Artistry 'Beethoven' $28k Stereophile Speaker of the Year system uses RadioShack Megawire and ICs in his personal system. Though he tested the wire with his engineering expertise and scientific equipment. He says a 10' length of the 12awg provides the best performance, and recommends 12awg is good for 30'. Get this:
'I measured the 16 gauge Megacable from Radio Shack (278-1270) that I use. A 10 foot length has 0.07 ohm resistance, 714 pF of capacitance and 1.9 uH of inductance. The line impedance is 51 ohm. A typical tweeter has a voice coil resistance of 4.7 ohm and 50 uH inductance. At 20 kHz this yields an impedance of about |4.7 + j6.3| = 7.9 ohm. Add to this the cable inductance of j0.24 ohm, and 0.07 ohm resistance for 10 feet, and the impedance becomes 8.09 ohm. This causes a 7.9/8.09 = 0.98 or 0.17 dB reduction in tweeter output at 20 kHz which is insignificant. The cable effect is even less at lower frequencies.'
See what I mean :-) Awesome. Liberating.
So I put over $3000 worth of cables on the market, and
doned a trench coat, shades, and false beard, and stealthed my way into Radio Shack for some of this wire I purchased with my chewing gum allowance.
I expected an audio train wreck when I installed it, but found the system just souned a little more real. Did I feel like a dummy for hours of study, experimentation, and $$$ I expended over what turns out to be nothing at best, and at least a degradation of the systems potential.
Notice what else he said:
'I hope the material presented here (www.linkwitzlab.com) will add to the general understanding of what is necessary for accurate sound reproduction. Regrettably, much misinformation and outright nonsense have been spread to promote certain "high-end audio" products. The power of suggestion works exceedingly well, when listeners cannot trust their own hearing. I recommend to re-calibrate yourself frequently. Listen closely to all sorts of un-amplified sounds in order to recognize and remember natural aural patterns. It becomes an endless and futile pursuit to listen for and try to evaluate differences between speakers, equipment and accessories without a reality based mental reference.'