Question about Bi-Wiring


My speakers, Martin Logan Motion 40's, are bi-wire capable.

But I have not tried to bi-wire them just yet.

I was wondering, if I were to get better jumper cables to replace the default metal plate jumpers that came with the speakers, would that accomplish the same results as actually bi-wiring the speakers

Or

Should I just go straight to actually bi-wiring?

Thanks

128x128jay73

@jay73 RE: 

So, you literally mean copper wire terminated to spade or banana plugs with the specs that you mentioned?

Exactly - here's the problem with those plates

  • they are most probably made of brass or even some copper alloy like Copper Beryllium
  • this will not conduct the signal as effectively as pure copper
  • if you plug the cables into the HF terminals then the low frequencies are impacted
  • if oyu plug the cables into the LF terminals then the high frequencies are impacted
  • replacing the plated with pure copper (like Romex) or even better use UP-OCC copper, then you should hear no change regardless of which terminals you pluf the cables into

I had a pair of bi-wire speakers

  • I tried bi-wire cables and they worked OK
  • then I replaced the plate-jumpers with copper wire and went back to a single cable and it actually sounded better.
  • Then a fellow DIYer told me about the 20" jumper - he had researched different lengths a lot and 20" was the optimum length
  • I then made UP-OCC copper jumpers from 2 x 18 gauge wire from VH Audio and the speakers had never sounded so good

If you are into DIY tale a look at these cables - they provide excellent results

My Audio Alchemy (image99.net)

If you have any questions just ask

Hope that helps - Steve

@williewonka 

Thanks for all the information.

Would you be able to provide a photo of your jumpers?

Curious to see what it looks like.

Thnx

@jay73 - unfortunately I recently sold those speakers with he Jumpers on them and I did not take any pictures.

But they are very simple

  • I used two pieces of VH Audio UP-OCC 18 gauge copper wire for each jumper 20 inches long
    • strip the insulation at one end of the pair for about 1/2"
    • twist tightly together
    • Then twist the two wires in a more relaxed twist
      • about one complete twist every 3 to 4 inches (see image)
    • Finish the other end in the same way - with e tight twist
    • Then on each end I use KLE Innovations Banana plugs, they provide the best sound quality
      • but you can use bananas or spades of your choice,
      • Furez makes a very good pure copper or silver plated copper spade

Hope that helps - Steve