Bi Wire vs Speaker Jumpers

Bi wiring is one of these audiophile myths, just like the entire obsession with cables.

Honestly, each speaker brand is different. Some speakers sound better bi-wired and some sound better using jumpers. You really have to try it yourself and then decide. I've owned a variety of speakers and I've learned that what I said above by trial and error. I've read somewhere (and I can't locate it at the present time) that states the specific reasons that some speakers benefit from bi-wiring and some don't. It had to do with the way the speaker was built and wired internally. I've never owned B&W 802 speakers so I have no opinion other then to say try it both ways.

I prefer jumpers to internal bi-wire, but prefer a double run.  Read the Vandersteen website about bi-wiring...

@lak is correct in his advice to you.

An additional point, as you are playing around with bi-wiring (from the same amp) try crossing over the separate runs (hi vs low). This can be helpful as well.

Further, the cables (and amps) don’t need to be exactly the same either, as some prefer to fine-tune the hi and low frequencies. I’ve had good outcomes using completely different cables and amps.

In my experience if my amp and speakers are both Biwire capable I notice the layering is much better, I will strongly recommend to Biwire if both are Biwire capable, If the speakers are the only one biwire, I go buy a good quality jumpers..

Agree with Lak you have to experiment , different system different result....

My Legacy Audio Signature II speakers seem to sound MUCH better single-wired than bi-wired(Krell power amp).  Unfortunately, I only found that out after running them bi-wired for decades because I just ASSUMED they would sound better that way.  I was running with Morrow Audio SP-2 for the high frequency terminals, with an old, heavy stranded Esoteric Audio stranded cables for the low frequency terminals. 

It was only when I bought a set of the Cerious Technology Graphene Extreme cables that I happened to go with the single-wire run and inserted the terminal jumpers.  Whoa, it was an immediate improvement, with much more, deeper, and better bass.  I cannot explain why that would be the case, but it is.  Perhaps something to do with the crossovers or internal wiring configuration.

I have N802's.  I have used them both single wired and bi wired.  The b&w supplied jumpers are very good.  I have a drawer full of different jumpers and they all sound different.  Single wired I prefer Audio Magic cables with the b&w jumpers.

Bi wired, I have used Ocos and currently use DH Labs mainly due to convenience since my winter setup speakers "must" be bi wired.  It saves setup time using the same speaker cables.  I wouldn't say bi wiring the N802's is absolutely necessary.

Differences; bi wired improves timing (not an 802 strength) and image specivity with a more forward sounding presentation.  This can be balanced by careful choice of interconnects and associated components.

Single wired is a bit more laid back and expansive with the cables I use but really, I can achieve satisfactory results either way.

So there you go, it all depends on what "you" like.

david_ten

Further, the cables (and amps) don’t need to be exactly the same either, as some prefer to fine-tune the hi and low frequencies. I’ve had good outcomes using completely different cables and amps.

This doesn't make any sense. I think you are confusing biwiring with biamplification.

First part of my post relates to bi-wiring, second part to bi-amping.

I’ve used separate cable brands/types off of the same amp (bi-wiring) and off of separate amps (bi-amping). Depends on one’s goals.

I've found more room for tuning with bi-amping, with different cable types.

Hope that clarifies.

This is from Nordost and applies to their jumpers, and a single run of speaker cables...but one can do the same with two speaker runs (bi-wire w/out the jumpers). I find their diagonal approach helpful.

http://www.nordost.com/dealer%20downloads/NorseJumperinstructions_Eng52016.pdf

I also found the diagonal configuration using jumpers to work the best in my system.

Wig

I am running a pair of b&w 800d. Use to run them bi wired with nordost cable. Nordost now believes that the best performance is to run a quality single run then to use matching jumpers if possible. I now run nordost Valhalla in a single run with matching Valhalla jumper. Best wishes. I have also read that it is best to replace the cheap jumpers that are supplied with many speakers.

david_ten...good post!

Walnut - 

I use B&W 802D bi-wired using dual runs of Kimber Kable 8TC and have been very pleased with the sound, but as everyone on hear (sic ) , will advise, it's your own ears that should make the decision based on your system.  Components finalizing into good amp(s), connects and speakers to make you happy is what it's all about.  Try it both ways and with different sources and music to see what you like.  

Single wired better. Sometimes.
Biwired better. Sometimes. 
Jumpers better. Sometimes. 

there are many threads on this subject

check the archives

Based on my experience with bi-wiring on more than a dozen speakers, it makes a difference with 3-way speakers and large woofers.
Unnecessary with 2-ways. Also no need to spend a fortune on nicely worded pseudo-science, large gauge ropes of pure copper is all you need, especially with low impedance speakers (i.e. bass drivers).

I have 802d3

i do single wire but with biwire ends.  I’d rather use the same cable for both bindings post pairs rather than a dissimilar jumper wire

I have a Sansui B2102 MosVintage amplifier and a T+A  TB160 speakers. I tried to remove the jumpers and use a  Bi-wiring. It is impossible to listen .. excessive thread. Almost scream. The next experiment will be Bi-amping. Just for the experiment. Chord Mojo has two LineOut. The second amplifier is Ouad 405.

Bi-Wire = Buy Wire 

I’ve used both. Save money on bi-wiring but don’t skimp on cheap jumpers. They should be of equal quality as your speaker cables.

Try Nordost diagonal configuration.  Worked well on  my system as too.

Doug +3 Sometimes 

Bi wire method is voodoo ( bi amplifying is another story of course) ,I bought a year ago hi end jumpers(same brand & series as my speaker cables) and the improvement was so huge it left me speechless , from my experience the jumpers should be the same as your speaker cables for best results .

I am using Kimber Bifocal X with WBT CU locking bananas on both ends. Wilson Benesch Loudspeakers include a set of their proprietary jumpers but I elected to bi-wire from the beginning.  Simply heaven and I don't believe that I wasted my $$.  I don't think that there are any hard-fast rules on this subject.  Like everything else it is system dependent based on your perceptions. You may try loaners prior to purchase to experiment both ways. Break-in was greatly facilitated in my system by my preamplifiers ability to include a white noise generator so the whole system spent about 200 hours getting righteous.
Take your time and get it right!

Hi Guy's
I have purchased a set of Kimber Bifocal X cables 15' long which I will have cut down and terminated  and sell the 2nd set.  Thanks for all your thoughts on the subject.