Alpha-core advise?

Thank you for all the replies. I did use supplied external Zoebels when I tried these cables. Oldears, the techs (I was told they were engineers) actually did conflict. The first one said by using 2 pairs of MI 2's I would be doubling the "characteristic impedance" of 2.5 Ohms to 5 Ohms and there by creating a closer match to the speaker load. He also said that 4 lengths on the MI 1's would create a perfect 4 Ohm load, but, the binding posts wouldn't accomodate that. The second engineer said the opposite and that doubling up the lengths would halve the "characteristic impedance". As for the power output of the amplifier, let me say that it is used in a fairly large room (14' ceiling peak) and that the speakers use an active equalizer that boosts the signal below 70 Hz by up to 12 dB's. I would think that would put quite a demand on the amp. Alpha-core seems to have a funny pricing system, 2 lengths of MI 2's cost less than 1 length of MI 3's, yet they claim that the MI 3's have the perfomance of 2 MI 2's. Alpha-core claims that matching the impedance load is what makes their product special. To be fair, they also claim that absolute matching is unnecessary. From what I am led to believe equivilent runs of MI 2's would offer a closer impedance match at a lower price, the MI 3's would offer a less ideal impedance match, better/ bass control and more surface contact with "integral spades" at a greater cost. Any thoughts?

Thanks Sean. I was hoping you might respond. The MI 2's were an improvement with the 2 different amps and 2 different speakers I tried them with. Interestingly the greatest improvement was with the smaller less expensive amp and to the smaller less expensive speakers. I miss having them here already. I think that the Thiels and the 3.5's in particular must be amongst the least "reactive" speakers offered. Wouldn't the use of the Zoebles compensate for the greater potential for reflected EMF in the MI3's? It seems pretty clear that your suggesting the MI 2's over the MI 3's for my application. Am I correct in assuming that you don't believe the Threshold S/500 II qualifies as a "VERY sturdy amp"? The idea of using integral spades has some appeal. Obviously the MI 3 lends itself to this application better than the MI 2. In the past you have recommended the use of Alpha-core silver spades, any thoughts on using the Alpha-cores "au-natural"? If so, what would you suggest vis-a-vis the MI 2 vs. the MI3? You mention that the "Goertz flat speaker cables require minimal break-in as compared to the mass majority of speaker cables. This is due to both their geometry and materials used." You have also endorsed the use of a cable cooker in past posts. Are you suggesting that these cables may be exempt from the advantages of using a cooker? BTW, Alpha-core seems to be shying away from making claims about the use of teflon in their latest MI 2 & 3 offerings. Any thoughts on the Alpha-core pricing structure? Seems a bit strange to me. Out side vendors seem to be able to provide more competitive pricing than buying direct as well. FWIW, I did manage to snap off the leads of one of the supplied Zoebels when tightening down on the speaker's binding posts. In the past you have suggested that one could improve upon the supplied design. How would I go about determining how to produce these for my application?

Rabelais, thank you very much. You have confirmed what I suspected about "characterisic impedance". Knowing is so much better! With regard to "bulk discount" it actually appears to be inverted; as you go up the line you pay a HIGHER rate! Very odd. Since I've already accepted the Alpha-core's as being superior (at least to my ears, in my system, at this time) to other manufacturers offerings, its come down to deciding between alpha-core's products. The scale that Alpha-core offers on their web site re: application in systems seems to be a rather general guide line rather than a strict requirement. Sean's opinion (for which I have great respect) seems to at the very least bear this out. The fact that the difference in price more than doubles is worthy of consideration too. IMHO, the MI 2's appear to be quite a bargain in comparison to just about anything else I've heard. The MI 3's, well thats a different ball of wax. I can't help but wonder if the market segment being pursued here may be more responsible for the elevated price more than the cost of materials.
Loontoon, thank you for the heads up. I believe the use of the afore mentioned Zoebles resolves the amplifier oscillation issue.

Thank you all for your responses. I just recieved an 8' pair of MI 2's with silver spades from a fellow Audiogon member. They sound even better than I remember the loaners sounding. The ones I just purchased sound a bit warmer than I remember the original ones sounding. This may also be due to a recent change in line stages. Actually more like the new line stage getting a chance to settle in. Alpha-core was kind enough to shoot me an e-mail advising me that 10' was about the maximum length they would recommend for the MI 2's in my system. Should a pair of MI 3's avail themselves, I might give them a try. These Alpha-core speaker cables are hands down the best I've ever tried. I never thought cables could make this much of an improvement. Any thoughts on Alpha-core interconnects?