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Doubling a Set of Speaker Cables

While reading a "professional "review of the Daedalus Audio Ulysses Floorstanding Speaker, the reviewer is adamant about the improvement TWO sets of speaker cables connected to each speaker - regardless of the brand - makes.

This is something that crossed my mind long ago, prior to reading it now, but I’ve never realistically considered trying it nor have I ever come across this in a review. At face-value it seems to me this technique would do more harm than good. I’m wondering if there are any folks on the forum using this technique of two sets of cables (and as mentioned in the article this is irrespective of bi-amping or merely using a smaller gauge) and if so, can/do you vouch for any "improvement" one should expect.

Thanks.

http://www.dagogo.com/daedalus-audio-ulysses-floorstanding-speaker-and-bass-optimization-woofer-bow-...
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douglas_schroeder
3,281 posts
 
For clarification, the Schroeder Method of IC Placement is, as named, for interconnects. However, I also do advocate trying double/parallel speaker cables for speakers having only one set of posts. Going with heavier AWG has almost always resulted in a preferred sound quality. 

mcmanus, at least you tried; kudos on your discovery! Sadly, a great number of audiophiles will be so laden with skepticism that they will never try. Whatever; it's not the worst thing in the world to die without ever having put up a great rig.  :) 
cd45123
191 posts
 
Ok thanks, Doug. 
Have you noticed a certain gauge where there’s no real difference?

For example I see certain top of the line cables from Dana Cables and Shunyata going down to 2 and 4awg, respectively. Seems like overkill, but is there a gauge in which you believe you get the most bang for your buck? Maybe 6 or 7awg?
bruceferrara's avatar
bruceferrara
3 posts
 
Hi Everyone,
Having bought the entry level Audio Art Classic speaker cables unintentionally twice the length I needed, I simply cut them in half, twisted them and crimped new plugs onto them and reinstalled them . This made an amazing difference. All the cliché descriptors apply, opened soundstage, increased transparency, detail, etc.
Anecdotal I know, but very pleasing to me. These are 14 gauge copper/silver cables doubled into old Snell Model As, Musical Paradise MP501 amp....so not high end...but good enough to hear the difference. I wonder if this is just a great money saving "hack"? Maybe. But again...no science here.  
pauly
1,012 posts
 
At the risk of over generalizing, would two runs of a lesser cable produce a better sound than a single run of a better cable? 

For example, should I buy two pairs of wireworld eclipse cables at $1500 per 2mtr pair, or a single pair of silver eclipse at $3100 per 2mtr pair?
ozzy's avatar
ozzy
7,219 posts
 
I have been using my DIY solid silver .9999 speaker cables. It is made up of multiple various gauges sleeved individually in there own teflon tubes.

Another Audiogonner wanted me to try a set of copper foil speaker cables which he raved about. When I did, I gotta say that I was not too impressed. It lacked bass and the upper frequencies. The music had no life.
(I must add that I also felt the same about the Silversmith Fidelium’s cables even though so many have raved about them.)

It could be that I am using tube mono blocks and this type of ribbon cables just don’t work well with this equipment. You know, impedance, inductance thing. I donna know, I just didn’t like the sound.

On a lark, I then tried both sets of the speaker cables together. That is; the solid silver and the copper foil... And I must tell you this combo worked great! The sum is better than the individual cables. Way better image solidarity and the frequency extremes are awesome. Just a pleasure to listen to.

Don’t dismiss something before you try it, you just never know.

ozzy
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