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Diagonal Connection With Two Pairs Of Binding Posts

This is from the Chord website:

"As a general rule, the treble connections are usually reckoned to produce better sound quality than the bass connections. However, in many cases, we find that a diagonal connection produces the most musically coherent sound. To do this, connect the positive (+) speaker cable to the positive treble connection and the negative speaker cable (-) to the negative bass connection. So in effect, the cable is connected diagonally. This is quick, easy and fun to do and the results are easy to hear."

I decided to try this today on my Harbeth SHL5+ speakers. Previously, my cables were connected to the lower posts (LF).

I listened to very familiar music for a couple of hours and the change was significant and for the better. The high frequencies were clearer without being bright. The soundstage was wider and overall sound had more presence.

I was not aware that a diagonal connection was an option.

Has anyone tried this? What were the results?

I left the jumpers in place. Should they stay in place in a diagonal set up?

Would appreciate your thoughts/comments.
          
ericsch
nonoise's avatar
nonoise
10,544 posts
 
Diagonal cross connections is one way that Nordost has recommended for many years. You won't know until you try it. There are some who say if it's a two way speaker, go for the upper posts and if it's a three way, go for the lower ones. 

I've tried all combinations and found the cross connection to be best, when using jumpers. You'll find that with some speakers, dual speaker posts are just a gimmick and with others, they're really built to be bi wired. 

If someone is saying it's all BS, take that with a shaker of salt and move on. They probably feel the brass plates that come from the factory are good enough. It's very easy to hear the differences. 

All the best,
Nonoise
petg60
1,486 posts
 
@ericsch, yes back to conventional.

ericsch OP
750 posts
 
@ghosthouse 
@nonoise 
@petg60
Thanks for your comments, very helpful.


ghosthouse's avatar
ghosthouse
4,279 posts
 
Here's a link to the Audioquest discussion.  The section you want is 

Using Full Range Cables On BiWire Capable Speakers

http://tools.audioquest.com/downloads/literature/learning_modules/Understanding-BiWiring.pdf
nonoise's avatar
nonoise
10,544 posts
 
@ericsch ,
I would be remiss if I didn't mention that if possible, try two pair of cables, of the same make, to see if you hear further improvement. They needn't be expensive nor do they have to exactly match.

I'm using a 10GA cable for the lows and 12GA cables for the highs from the same manufacturer and this set up easily beat any combo of jumpers and connectors I've tried. It's what Richard Vanderstein recommends and as it turned out, for me, he's right.

Good luck in your quest and, all the best,
Nonoise
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