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

Showing 7 responses by ericsch

Yes, only the SHL5’s have them. I don't think any of their speakers have had them for a very long time.
I had C7's 10+ years ago and they did had two posts. 
@Erik_Squires
@Oldhvymec

I have good jumpers, they are Analysis Plus and match my speaker cables. So the consensus seems that if I continue with the diagonal connections, I should leave the jumbers in place. Right?

@petg60 So after you got the new jumpers, you went back to the conventional connections?
  
After I posted this I went over to HUG and looked at some of the comments. I know they have their biases (all amplifiers sound basically the same, exotic speaker wire is a waste of money, etc.). Alan Shaw says that since the SHL5 series has always bi-wire capability he did not want to change it because then his dealers would be stuck with an outdated model. Further, it was strictly a marketing decision to keep 4 binding posts, i.e. customer choice.

He said he never listened to them bi-wired and they were not voiced that way.  

BTW, none of his other speakers are set up for bi-wire.

FWIW, I have had the SHL5 Plus 40th Anniversary for over 3 years and they are wonderful speakers.  

      
@ryder Look at the Nordost link earlier in this thread. On the second page, the third illustration shows the diagonal connection. The Audioquest article was a little clearer, but that link doesn't seem to be working.