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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
ghosthouse's avatar
ghosthouse
4,279 posts
 
@ericsch
I second what Nonoise (and others?) have said about getting the best jumpers you can afford.

After living with mftr. supplied jumpers and trying DIY (didn’t hear a significant change), I finally sprang for a used set of mid product range Cardas. I was very surprised at the noticeable improvement those little runs of wire did provide. Another area of wire skepticism laid to rest. Once you decide what connection arrangement suits you best, definitely consider upgrading your jumpers.
fiesta75
1,378 posts
 
Remove the jumpers and bi-amp with an active crossover, you will never go back. Passive crossovers suck, especially stock ones.
tablejockey
3,772 posts
 
At least this tweak is FREE!
One of those-"if you think it works, then it does" 

Looks impressive enough to leave it as is, even though I can't hear a difference. Tried it years ago when I purchased Nordost cables/jumpers. My non audio friends approve.

Fiesta75 's suggestion is the real solution to wiring those 4 posts. Painful on the wallet though.
jjss49's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
jjss49
6,609 posts
 
as fervent, dedicated enthusiasts, part of the deal is we obsess over the smallest details, optimize every little aspect, but it sometimes really benefits us to step back and look at the whole thing, think about the various potential improvements levers in terms of their relative proportionality and importance against the absolute performance level 

that last .025% of improvement, even if we were sure it is real, might not be worth the time, effort and cost, if the quality of the music being reproduced is already absolutely splendid
hleeid
219 posts
 
I also have the SHL5+ 40s and have tried diagonal with better jumpers using AQ Rocket 88s.
Just for kicks, I cut 8 pieces of some old Monster Cable.  Each piece is 6' long with both ends twisted together and tinned.

So now, I have 4 pieces going to each speaker utilizing all 4 posts with the jumpers removed.

Tried this with both my Hegel H190 and an old Jolida SJ 502A tube integrated.

Very minimal but noticeable improvement all around over the Rocket 88s.

Sound is more open and airy with better clarity.  
4 pairs vs 1 pair per speaker certainly provides for a cumulative increase in wire gauge. 

@ericsch - Agree 100% these are wonderful speakers!


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