alternate method of bi-wiring

Here's the way I know it.

Single bi-wire: Each stereo set has two cables. Each cable has one + and one - termination at the amp end and two +'s and two -'s at the speaker end.

True bi-wire: This is a standard stereo pair of speaker cables X two. Two completely individual sets of stereo speaker cables. I use this method as it offers the convenience of versatility whether it be changing the speakers or the cables themselves.

Shotgun: Two runs of cable instead of one.

Shotgun bi-wire: First, look at this pic: http://www.virtualdynamics.ca/referencespeakerlarge.jpg

Each cable run has one terminal end at the amp and two at the speaker and each run consists of 4 cables (or wires), with 2 of the cables going to each speaker termination. For a complete stereo set of speaker cables this means four sets of shotgun bi-wire cables with a grand total of 16 runs of cable. I tried this once & it choked the soundstage. I asked a very knowledgeable cable designer/manufacturer about this & asked if that meant too much capacitance or inductance? He said could be either or both. Anybody care to comment?

OK, I'm done, and I prefer Sharp Cheddar W/Port Wine.

Paul, You can keep your current cables & just use one of the speaker sets of terminations-just tape off the other set so they don't short out on anything. Then you can buy another set of cables and have a true bi-wire set up. From this you can decide if you like this cable better for the high or low freqs. (or both) and then proceed with the next step that you've already outlined. Just an idea on how to go about it taking small steps.

Given your budget I'd like to suggest Luminous Audio Renaissance speaker cable. You can email Tim & ask about your particular application. If youre interested & can't find the link email me & I'll forward it. Good luck.