Bi wiring v single run w jumpers


Back when I worked in the audio biz speakers had one set of terminals. Now most have two sets for bi amping or biwiring Last I checked most people do not bi amp and not many bi wire. Also jumpers all sound different and if you use the top terminals it sounds different then the bottom. Also is the top running the tweetrer or the mid and tweeter? That is another variable HATE IT.

I have three choices here. The speaker really does not matter as I want to be consistant when compaing these 3 sets of speakers.

1) Analysis plus Oval 9 with jumpers
2) Analysis plus Oval 9 with the terminals inside the speaker between the high and low connected operates like a normal 2 terminal speaker
3) Analysis plus Oval 12 bi wire.
Thoughts?? Thanks
geph0007

Showing 4 responses by zd542

"Also is the top running the tweetrer or the mid and tweeter? That is another variable HATE IT."

If the speakers have jumpers on the binding posts, remove them. Then just plug speaker cables in to just one pair of binding posts and see what drivers are playing. As for the rest of it, you'll just have to experiment and see what works best. There's just too many variables and no one can know what your personal preference is.
"02-03-15: Geph0007
OK let me ask this One run of AP Oval 9 with jumpers or bi wire (two runs) or Oval 12? I did try this on one set where I could not tie things together inside. The biwire seemed more open and slightly relaxed. Voices where more vertical With the single run of 9 I felt like I was looking at the floor where voices were coming from, so to speak. More airy"

When dealing in areas involving biwiring, jumpers, etc.., results are application specific. You have to try different combinations, and see what works the best. A good portion of it depends on your equipment. My Vandersteen's are probably the best example of how biwiring makes a positive difference. Using 2 separate runs of cables, with them, makes a very big difference. On my other speakers, Wilson's, they don't even believe in biwiring. They feel so strongly about that, they only put 1 set of binding posts on the speakers. I couldn't biwire them if I wanted.

The only thing I can tell you for sure about all this, is to not let these relatively minor cabling issues, compromise or overlook areas in your system that are more important.
"02-04-15: Geph0007
I am trying to compare these three sets of speakers on an even playing field That is why the issue is brough up."

3 sets of speakers or 3 sets of cables? If its 3 sets of cables, the only way you can get a level playing field is to try them on the actual speaker you will be using. Cables don't always sound consistent from one speaker to the next. I think you might be over thinking this. AP has a decent reputation for working with a wide variety of gear, and you already own it, so there's no risk. However you configure the cables, I would be surprised if you didn't get good results. It can happen, but I don't think its likely.
"Someone on this site recommended running the bass speaker to the 8 ohm tap and the mids and highs to the 4 ohm tap. This made a bigger difference than running jumpers or bi-wiring in my set up."

That is biwiring. In order to do what you just described, you need to use 2 separate runs of cables. Unless I didn't read your post right.