Bi-wire options

In #1 and #2, if you attach all cable terminals to the speaker's upper OR lower binding posts, it's not biwiring.
#3. Seems to me this reduces the very benefits of biwiring, by recombining a portion of the cable together at the speaker end.
#4. Again, this substantially reduces the benefit of biwiring, ESPECIALLY if done by different types of cable or sizes of conductors.

I believe in biwiring especially if one is taking advantage of the special affinities of various cables, conductors, etc. I'd connect both terminals of the 'high' cable to the 'high' posts and both 'low' cable terminals to the 'low' posts and NOT use jumpers.

BTW it's 'biwiring' and not 'bi-wiring'. :-)
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Biwiring requires two sets of cables so I do not see how any of your described options apply.

Kal

sorry, i meant hooking single wires to bi-wire terminals.

"sorry, i meant hooking single wires to bi-wire terminals"

Oh.

In that case, 3 won't work.
1,2 and 4 will, so try 'em.

Kal

Hi Marvin. Sonically it's up to you to discover which you like best. However from one standpoint, because the low frequency drivers are going to demand the most power, I'd connect your single wire speaker cables to those first. Allow the jumpers to supply the less demanding tweeters.

I agree with jeffreybehr and would add that some people including myself like to use identical speaker cables for both low's and high's runs to the amp.Others like to use heavier gauge on the low's and lighter gauge wiring on the high's.I personally use Analysis Oval 9's but seen Kimber Kable 8TC for low's combined with 4TC for high's that really like to try.
Best
George

Rockvirgo states a commonly held viewpoint. However, the maker of my speakers (Tannoy) recommends connection to the upper posts first, then jumpers to the lower posts. Stuart Marcus, owner of Vampire Wire suggests the same thing and that's how mine are are connected. Try it and see what you think.

Just to add to the mix my Apogee's are biwired and with my cables the connection is to the normal positive/negitive terminals without jumpers or else they would be out of phase from the amp. Having them strapped or using jumpers they sound good but, biwired thay are amazing, it just depends, sometimes you have to try and see, but be cognasent of the phasing or else no matter waht you do your result will turn out less than you're looking for.

Check with the manufacturer of your speaker. Many speaker designers, Merlin and Silverline for example, actually discourage bi-wiring stating that it detracts from the overall sonic presentation favoring the factory strapping or jumpers. Others encourage bi-wiring. The bottom line is follow what the manufacturer recommends and chances are you will get the best out of your speakers.