Shotgun with different cables


Normally a so-called shotgun cable configuration is referred to as two IDENTICAL sets of speaker cables per channel connected to a SINGLE termination pair a BOTH the speaker and amplifier side.

Now, I’ve had and still has made very good sonic findings running two DIFFERENT pairs a speaker cables per channel, in my case combining a solid-core silver cable (Mundorf SIlver/gold) and a stranded, tinned copper cable (Duelund DCA16GA). Please note I’m not bi-wiring, but simply running two different cables from one termination point a the amp to one termination point at the speakers (of course in an identical fashion for each channel and ’+’ and ’-’ as well). As an outset I’d find running identical cable sets in a shotgun configuration a less interesting idea than going for a complimentary effect in combining two different cables. So why I am hearing of this configuration so rarely, if at all?

I’m guessing there’s a theoretical stance that would hold this kind of configuration a non-preferable solution (electrical properties gone "haywire," so to speak), in light of it being rarely used /talked about. But again, why really - what’s the technical (and theoretical) explanation that would have us shy from the solution of different cable sets in a shotgun configuration? But most importantly, where’s the actual (non-biased) experience - that is, experience that has come to fruition in likely not being affected by (a possible) theoretical consensus?

Let this be a challenge: try a shotgun configuration with two different sets of speakers cables, and let us know YOUR sonic findings.
128x128phusis

Showing 2 responses by almarg

Hi Bill (Wlutke),

One way in which phase shift differences could occur between two speaker cables is from the interactions of their differing inductances with the impedance of the speaker. Another way is from differences in their propagation velocities. However, for cable lengths that would be used in a home environment both effects can be calculated to result in completely negligible phase shifts at anything close to audible frequencies.

Your question was a good one, though. Regards,

--Al
I’m guessing there’s a theoretical stance that would have this kind of configuration a non-preferable solution (electrical properties gone "haywire," so to speak), in light of it being rarely used /talked about. But again, why really - what’s the technical (and theoretical) explanation that would have us shy from the solution of different cable sets in a shotgun configuration?
As someone having an extensive technical background in electronic design, I can think of no reason why it would be preferable to avoid paralleling two dissimilar speaker cables. And I would extend kudos for your creative experimentation.

Regards,
-- Al