Doubling a Set of Speaker Cables


While reading a "professional "review of the Daedalus Audio Ulysses Floorstanding Speaker, the reviewer is adamant about the improvement TWO sets of speaker cables connected to each speaker - regardless of the brand - makes.

This is something that crossed my mind long ago, prior to reading it now, but I’ve never realistically considered trying it nor have I ever come across this in a review. At face-value it seems to me this technique would do more harm than good. I’m wondering if there are any folks on the forum using this technique of two sets of cables (and as mentioned in the article this is irrespective of bi-amping or merely using a smaller gauge) and if so, can/do you vouch for any "improvement" one should expect.

Thanks.

http://www.dagogo.com/daedalus-audio-ulysses-floorstanding-speaker-and-bass-optimization-woofer-bow-...
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Showing 3 responses by miko71

Skin effect is a problem in high voltage power lines. Not speaker cable measured in feet.

Jusr like power lines, gauge is the primary factor. 10 awg or lower and your golden.
Guess it would depend on the kind of post you have. You could make a J hook and wrap the cable around. Or if it has a hole in the center, place them through that.  The gauge of the wire would be the limiting factor.

Point is, whether you run a single or double pair, as long as the gauge is of sufficient thickness, the construction of the cable is rather unimportant. 

Thats is why I recommend 10 awg, a single run of that is going to provide all the signal transfer you'll need. Regardless of the hype from people who make a very nice living off of selling cable for many many multiples over cost. 

The dirty secret is that the majority of cable company buy these cables in bulk from a few manufactures, put a nice fancy covering on them. Write paragraphs worth of dubious merit and hope somebody will plunk down big cash for nothing.  

Let me ask everyone this, if hook up wire is so important, then why didn't people start making a big deal about it during the golden age? When home audio and serious 2 channel reproduction was all the rage?

You ever take a peep inside a speaker crossover? Do you not see the thin gauge wire and push connectors and everything else? Do you honestly think a few feet of cable will matter? 

People want to improve the quality of their systems.. Unfortunately the great majority fall victim to the the predators that are around. Take a good look at some of the most prestigious components available.
If the designer thought adding some esoteric hook up wire would be beneficial, wouldn't they use it and advertise it? 

Yes, cables can make a difference, but for the most part because they alter the signal path through increased resistance or capacitance etc..

You can achieve this remarkable change in sound with cheap lamp cord and a few resisters wired in line. Try it...  
I don’t know if I qualify as an expert, I can say that I’ve been involved with serious 2 channel music reproduction for over 25 years. Starting with a hand me down Fisher 400 at the tender age of 15 or so...

Way before the Internet and when you actually had to go to the store to see these things and speak with and learn about this hobby.

If there is anything I have learned over the years is that sound quality is subjective at best. There are people that have never attended a live show, heard a concert hall, have any idea how music being made sounds....

One other thing, and this addresses your op. People who review components and accessories today have for the most part, replaced testing with opinion.

I have no doubt that adding/removing cables can change the way the system sounds by altering the resistance and so forth.

Doing so may by accident/addition/omission have a equalising effect that the person finds agreeable.

I personally would much rather have a base line in which to work with a minimum number of variables.

My approach is to establish that base line with quality equipment and interconnects/wires should be of robust construction and have the ability to provide a secure, reliable connection.

It is my opinion that cable companies and reviewers have not done us any favor with treating accessories like components.

What is it that you are trying to achieve? See, I think the pitfall is that for the average audiophile, swamping out a power cord, interconnect, speaker cable is relatively quick and easy.

The perceived difference is notable and because a minimum amount of effort and skill level is required, it is something, given the law of averages a great many people can participate in.

When you have a hobby like music, it transcends all boundaries. Financial being the key here. So, given the Capitalist business model, of course you will have available for purchase cables that range from a few pennies per foot, to ones that cost thousands per foot.

These companies are "for profit" enterprises. They are not obligated to consider anyone's well being.

Just like everything else offered for sale, there are products made to target a certain demographic.

In Audio, that is where the lines blur because you have reviewers with their own financial considerations. The same for the magazines. 

The simple facts do not change, wire is used to transmit a electrical signal. Now if it is wrapped using an equation found in a dusty, forgotton tome in an abandoned monastery while employing brine soaked unicorn intestines and it costs $8,000 per 1/8 foot.. I'm sure someone who has the means will buy it.