Bi-wiring: quote from "Loudspeakers For Music Recording And Reproduction"

[Mos Fetish]

Bi-wiring takes separate cables from the output terminals of the amplifier to the separated inputs of the high and low frequency sections of the passive crossover filters. Although each cable still receives the same voltage drive from the amplifier, the current passed by each cable is only that which relates to the frequency band that it is handling. As it is the current which gives rise to the linear and non-linear processes which are attributed to magnetic effects, the separation of the currents into two or more frequency bands can be beneficial. The high frequency signals are therefore unaffected by the heavy low frequency currents.

The materials used for the conductors can influence the sound quality performance of loudspeaker cables, as can the materials used for the insulators. The physical construction of a cable is also considered by many to be a significant factor in terms of sound quality, with some complex plaiting arrangements of the conductors being highly regarded by many specialists. Given these differences, appropriate cable designs and dimensions can be more ideally matched to the frequency and current requirements of the individual drivers in a system if multi-cabling is employed.

The book is here:

Amazon.com: Loudspeakers: For music recording and reproduction (9780240520148): Philip Newell, Keith Holland: Books


Any comments regarding the current versus voltage effects mentioned?

Surely this implies that current affects the frequencies arriving at each crossover input? If the frequencies arriving at each crossover input are not affected, then it's bogus. No?

[pinkmouse]

This has been covered many times here before, did you search?

[Mos Fetish]

Originally Posted by pinkmouse

This has been covered many times here before, did you search?

Yes, I'm wondering if it makes a new point.

[AllenB]

No.

[Mos Fetish]

Well, ok.

[Francec]

I second that "No".
It just uses more flowery language to embellish what some people think they can hear. IF, and it is a big if, there is a difference, it will be minuscule. If you want to go to any trouble at all, then go active and actually hear the difference.

[phase_accurate]

There are some distortion mechanisms in play whose effect can be reduced somewhat with bi-wiring. They are definitley real (Hint: A driver is a nonlinear load and might distort the waveform that it is being fed with if there is significant resistance between the signal source and the driver). I can't tell you how much they actually matter because

1.) I would be too lazy to try it out and
2.) it can't be tested with my current setup because I am running active.

Regards

Charles

[TerryO]

Bi-wiring does make a tremendous difference...to your wallet.

[Francec]

A driver is a nonlinear load and might distort the waveform that it is being fed with if there is significant resistance between the signal source and the driver

Or just user larger speaker cable. If there is any appreciable resistance in you speaker cable, you must have bought the cheapest, scungiest, bargain basement rubbish available.

[AndrewT]

Or make them shorter !
Ahh, cut them in half and thus able to try bi-wiring without spending any money.