Bi-wiring Recommended!

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Comments

  • amulford
    amulford Posts: 5,020
    edited October 2006
    If you wanna beleive that article, be my guest. I once had the same thought. My mind was changed.

    Those that don't know, don't know that they don't know...
  • Scubadoo
    Scubadoo Posts: 4
    edited October 2006
    F1nut: Which article did you mean? The one about bi-wiring or the one about wire gauges? I'm not an audio expert by any means. I know I can't hear the difference between bi-wired and single-wired RTi10s (maybe I just don't have an audiophile's ears). As for wire gauge, PolkAudio recommends 18 or 16 gauge for short runs. I assume they know what they're talking about.
  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 51,700
    edited October 2006
    I was referring to the wire gauge article. For an entry level set up 16 gauge may be all that is needed, but as one moves up the audio ladder wire begins to make a bigger difference and it involves more than the gauge. Having said that, don't take my word for it, nor should you take that article as the gospel truth, it's not. It's something you have to experience for yourself.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."


    President of Club Polk

  • JKnPA
    JKnPA Posts: 41
    edited October 2006
    I didn't see a problem with the article. What is the issue?
    He states that not all wire sold by manufacturers are equal, and some expensive wire/cable is not worth the money spent!
    I think the main issue........as stated in the article is the resistance of the wire in respect to the speaker impedance. So the length of wire and wire gague is important when choosing the wire for your system.
    He states that in the article..........the critical factor being the wire resistance should not excede 5% of the speaker impedance!

    ********************************************************
    The resistance of 50 feet of 24 AWG wire calculates to be 1.28 ohms and the 50 foot Monster wire is 0.079 ohms. The impedance of the speaker used in the demonstration is 8-ohms nominal impedance. The acceptable upper limit of wire resistance when used with an 8-ohm speaker is 5% or 0.4 ohms. Clearly, the #24 wire resistance is 3.2 times higher than it should be.
    A further problem with using too small a wire is not only that the speaker output decreases but also that the speaker response changes at various frequencies depending on how the speaker impedance varies with frequency. The response tends to follow the variations in the speaker impedance.


    His conclussions................................ *************************************************
    "...So what do our fifty hours of testing, scoring and listening to speaker cables amount to? Only that 16-gauge lamp cord and Monster cable are indistinguishable from each other with music and seem to be superior to the 24 gauge wire commonly sold or given away as 'speaker cable.' Remember, however, that it was a measurable characteristic--higher resistance per foot--that made 24 gauge sound different from the other cables. If the cable runs were only 6 instead of 30 feet, the overall cable resistances would have been lower and our tests would probably have found no audible differences between the three cables. This project was unable to validate the sonic benefits claimed for exotic speaker cables over common 16-gauge zip cord. We can only conclude, therefore, that there is little advantage besides pride of ownership in using these thick, expensive wires

    JK
    Denon 1906AVR
    Polk... M40s, Cs1
    JVC DVD player XV-SA600
    Sharp LC-37D6U
  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 51,700
    edited October 2006
    See my previous comment.

    JK, 16 gauge lamp cord may work just fine in your set up, but it doesn't even come close to working in mine.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."


    President of Club Polk

  • JKnPA
    JKnPA Posts: 41
    edited October 2006
    That may be true, but that doesn't mean the article is False.

    He doesn't advocate using #16 wire for all applications. His main point , as I see it is, "the wire resistance s/b less than 5% of the speaker impedance(namely 8 or 4 ohms), so it doesn't become a factor on speaker sensitivity.
    Example....... speakers with 8 ohms impedance using #16wire at a distance of 10ft.
    @ #16wire....... 4.09ohms/1000ft. equates to 0.0409ohms at 10ft.
    max. wire resistance should not excede 5% of 8ohms, which would be 0.4ohms..........well within the guidelines.
    ** Receiver output impedance is also important; it must also be very small so it doesn't become a factor in speaker performance.
    *** My only question would be....... "Is 5% the correct number when determining max. wire resistance /speaker performance'.

    Link to AWG table....................
    http://www.interfacebus.com/Copper_Wire_AWG_SIze.html
    Denon 1906AVR
    Polk... M40s, Cs1
    JVC DVD player XV-SA600
    Sharp LC-37D6U
  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 51,700
    edited October 2006
    I never said it was false. I said it should not be taken as the gospel truth and I stand by that comment.
    *** My only question would be....... "Is 5% the correct number when determining max. wire resistance /speaker performance'.

    The correct answer would be what sounds best with your gear. As I stated previously, for entry level gear, lamp cord may be all one needs to be happy. However, when you get into better gear, lamp cord or wire measured by gauge alone (AWG table) is woefully inadequate at bringing out the best your set up has to offer.

    I'll put it another way. If you are stuck on specs and measurements as your guide to what sounds good or what should sound good, you are in the wrong hobby.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."


    President of Club Polk

  • JKnPA
    JKnPA Posts: 41
    edited October 2006
    I think he is stating a 'general rule' when choosing the correct wire for your audio system.
    For those who can discern 'audio quality differences' when selecting the best gauge wire/cable for your speakers........ great !
    I really don't think the majority of people here , or the general public can say they have a 'keen ear for audio', which shouldn't preclude them from the 'hobby'.
    Denon 1906AVR
    Polk... M40s, Cs1
    JVC DVD player XV-SA600
    Sharp LC-37D6U
  • Scubadoo
    Scubadoo Posts: 4
    edited October 2006
    Didn't mean to start a flame war. Hey, if expensive, thick speaker wire makes you happy, fill your boots! I'm using the money I saved with cheap, tiny wire to buy big bottles of ale! To each their own...;-)

    Actually, the 18 gauge wire I'm using is 25 years old and I just upgraded from RadioShack Realistic speakers that were about the same age to the RTi10s. Sure, the RTi10s sound good. I was surprised, though, by how little better they sound than my old RadioShack specials. Hmm, "little better", is that proper grammar?

    Oh oh, think I just started another flame war....

    http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/products/systems/?helpid=55
  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 51,700
    edited October 2006
    I really don't think the majority of people here , or the general public can say they have a 'keen ear for audio', which shouldn't preclude them from the 'hobby'.

    I was speaking directly to you. :)

    The general public could care less about wires. Hell, a lot of them think a Bose radio is hifi, so I don't include them when mentioning this hobby.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."


    President of Club Polk

  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 51,700
    edited October 2006
    I will go down to Sound Scape this coming week. I like fact that it is family owned.

    I stopped in on Tuesday, the name is one word. ;)

    Anyway, get a demo on the big Quads powered by the CJ tube amp.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."


    President of Club Polk

  • Schwingding
    Schwingding Posts: 363
    edited October 2006
    F1nut wrote:
    I stopped in on Tuesday, the name is one word. ;)

    Anyway, get a demo on the big Quads powered by the CJ tube amp.
    Now ya tell me. I was there yesterday to talk about HT design. Saw those big Quads, and drooled a bit over that big Sony projector.
    HT/music rig
    Panasonic PX60U 50" plasma
    Yamaha 5990 AVR
    Onix SP3 tube amp
    bunch of Outlaw 2200 monoblocks
    DUAL SVS PB12+/2 subs :eek:
    Denon 3910 DVD/SACD/DVD-A
    DirecTV HR10-250 DVR
    Onix Strata Mini mains
    Mirage OM10 surrounds
    Polk CSi5 center
    Polk SC80 rear surrounds
    Samsung BDP1000 blu-ray player

    Bedroom rig
    Jolida SJ302a tube amp
    Denon 2910 universal player
    Onix Ref 1 monitors
    Velodyne minivee
  • MillerLiteScott
    MillerLiteScott Posts: 2,564
    edited October 2006
    I went to Soundscape on Tuesday and demoed some Subs. I am going to get a SVS though. I am only allowed to go into the first room on the right as you walk in. I went to Gramaphone yesterday and man they have some equipment in there. Definitely out of my range.

    Scott
    I like speakers that are bigger than a small refrigerator but smaller than a big refrigerator:D
  • madmax
    madmax Posts: 12,434
    edited October 2006
    I read about the advantages and disadvantages of bi-wiring in the link. While I agree with the theory behind the disadvantages I have not heard them on my system. Some parameter must be missing in his explanation otherwise it would be evident in all systems. Equations, simulations and graphs are nice but they rarely contain everything needed conclusively prove anything. I recommend trying both ways before reaching a determination.
    madmax
    Vinyl, the final frontier...

    Avantgarde horns, 300b tubes, thats the kinda crap I want... :D
  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 51,700
    edited October 2006
    Scott, I didn't see you in there...lol. What do you mean you are only allowed to go into the room on the right???
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."


    President of Club Polk

  • samiam
    samiam Posts: 70
    edited November 2006
    I picked up a roll of monster xp...100' for around $20. (had a credit on newegg for a previous messed up order) For that price I thought what the heck. Eventually I'll get up to silver stranded cryo. ;)

    My question is, when I go to bi-wire, a previous poster asked if they had removed the crummy brass posts? Can one do this on a rti8? I have the jumper and plastic screw thingies off. Hmm....will check....nope, doesn't look like it, unless I remove the entire face plate and cut where the solder is. Don't tell me anyone does this...
    Fronts RTI 8 Cherry (Bi-wired/ampd)
    Center CSI 5 Cherry
    Surrounds RTI 6's Cherry
    (Currently fiddling with Mirage Nanosats for l/r surrounds)
    MONSTER HTS 5000 MKII Power Conditioner
    Marantz SR7500 Reciever

    * * * *

    Home Brew PC Music Server/Gamer
    Nintendo WEEEEEE!
    Panasonic AX100 Projector
    DIY Screen (for now)
  • TheReaper
    TheReaper Posts: 636
    edited November 2006
    samiam wrote:
    ...removed the crummy brass posts?...
    You only remove the "Brass Jumpers" for bi-wiring (do not remove the binding posts).
    Win7 Media Center -> Onkyo TXSR702 -> Polk Rti70
  • samiam
    samiam Posts: 70
    edited November 2006
    TheReaper wrote:
    You only remove the "Brass Jumpers" for bi-wiring (do not remove the binding posts).
    oh heh...thanks...:o
    Fronts RTI 8 Cherry (Bi-wired/ampd)
    Center CSI 5 Cherry
    Surrounds RTI 6's Cherry
    (Currently fiddling with Mirage Nanosats for l/r surrounds)
    MONSTER HTS 5000 MKII Power Conditioner
    Marantz SR7500 Reciever

    * * * *

    Home Brew PC Music Server/Gamer
    Nintendo WEEEEEE!
    Panasonic AX100 Projector
    DIY Screen (for now)
  • Kelley_Moore
    Kelley_Moore Posts: 57
    edited November 2006
    Take a deep breath, it may be worth reading

    I started down the path of bi-wiring, which to me, made no difference when I tried it other than cost me $40 more per wire. Then I thought about bi-amping until I started reading about Active and passive crossovers. Most speakers have a passive crossovers built in them, and if you remove it like some do, your speaker warranty is voided. Apparently, unless you bypass the internal crossover, you will get minimal benefits considering the costs incurred to have a biamped setup.

    Something I saw from the HT Spot forum regarding Bi-Wire \ bi-amping...

    "The only thing bi-wiring does is put more copper between the amp and speaker. You can accomplish the same thing by using a heavier gauge wire. As already mentioned, biamping does not help if you are using speakers with an internal passive crossover (most speakers). Some people will actually go so far as to remove the passive crossover and put an electronic crossover from someone like Beringer between the preamp and two or three amplifiers that then drive the speaker. This can provide excellent results, but you have to know what you are doing and it is more complexity than most people want to deal with. "

    "Pikers is correct. If you don’t bypass the internal crossover within each speaker, you’re only benefiting from a fraction of what you could be getting. Many, if not all mid and high end speakers made today are bi-wireable. I don’t think there are any, even audiophile grade that are active bi-amp ready because they all have internal crossovers. Removing the bridges between the terminals on the speakers does not bypass the internal crossover. To get full benefit from your bi-amping, you need to physically bypass the internal passive crossover. Be forewarned however, this often voids any warranties.

    "Ethan_Winer is also correct in that bi-wiring is a complete waste of time regardless of what a few people claim to hear. Salespeople will tell you there’s a difference because they want to sell you more wire. And manufacturers make their speakers bi-wireable simply to keep up with the Jones’s. As far as I know, there simply isn’t any quantifiable data that supports the bi-wire claims. It’s all false perception and sales hype. "

    Here is the link to the above information.

    http://www.hometheaterspot.com/htsthreads/showflat.php?Cat=0&Board=UBB5&Number=778129&Searchpage=1&Main=777488&Words=bi-amping&topic=&Search=true#Post778129
  • samiam
    samiam Posts: 70
    edited November 2006
    Thanks Kelly!

    I was told a long time ago that a good way to think of electricity is to think of water. Using that analogy, I couldn't for the life of me figure out what bi-wiring would do other than create a bridge of electrons, coming from the same river so to speak. I could only see it working if you had a dedicated high and low out from your receiver or amp.

    I put the brackets back on and am only using one of the connectors per +/-

    I suppose that my blind spot here is bi-amping...which I know nothing about currently. All's I know is amping increases power which brings richness and volume.
    Fronts RTI 8 Cherry (Bi-wired/ampd)
    Center CSI 5 Cherry
    Surrounds RTI 6's Cherry
    (Currently fiddling with Mirage Nanosats for l/r surrounds)
    MONSTER HTS 5000 MKII Power Conditioner
    Marantz SR7500 Reciever

    * * * *

    Home Brew PC Music Server/Gamer
    Nintendo WEEEEEE!
    Panasonic AX100 Projector
    DIY Screen (for now)
  • turbo311
    turbo311 Posts: 10
    edited November 2006
    Ok first post, but it's important because I joined the forum to discuss this. I'm a newb to stereos, I'm no audiophile. I've got the RTi6's with PSW10 and Yamaha RX-797. I bought 20 gauge cable not knowing the difference, but my speakers are right next to the amp with short lengths of wire.

    Anyway, I first set it up with the brass jumpers, but later bi-wired (not even knowing that was possible unti I got these speakers) and I did hear a big difference. The highs are much crisper and the midrange improved to say the least. I did it bare wired and I don't know how crappy my wiring skills are, but I've got what seems to be totally clear sound. I don't see how this would be possible with banana plugs. I don't know if bi-amping is even worth it for my casual needs. It's definitely very good as it sits and is the best stereo setup I've ever heard for under $1000. :)
  • Kelley_Moore
    Kelley_Moore Posts: 57
    edited November 2006
    turbo311

    There are too many speaker wire debates and some can get very nasty as I just finished one in AVS. I should have stopped reading after page 3 but it was train wreck and I could not stop viewing. You certainly will not have any trouble finding someone’s mindless opinion of your setup as you seek information in various forums.

    I will not tell you if you are right or wrong because I’m not qualified to tell you. If it made a difference, and you are happy with it, that's all that matters. If you are interested in learning more, treat it like hot political debate. Listen to both sides of the argument, eliminate the extremes and the endless witless rants, and formulate your own opinion.

    People see and hear things differently. A good example of this is the DLP rainbow effect. Fortunately, I'm one of those that cannot see it, where some people claim that they cannot bear to even watch a DLP TV because it is so bad (Remember to eliminate the extreme opinions). In most cases in your quest for a better HT experience, you at least get to buy it, try it and send it back if it made no difference at all. Or you can take the approach where you assemble your own wire. Nothing wrong with that either.

    Good Luck and have fun! Oh yeah, welcome to the forum!

    Kelley
  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,136
    edited November 2006
    I can bi-wire but I'm not. I will however be pursuing BI-AMPING. Bi-wiring makes no sense at all to me. It seems that if I replace the cheapy jumpers on my 1.2 TLs and use good speaker wire to my mono blocks, I will get the same theoretical benfit as bi-wiring.

    Bi-amping makes all the sense in the world. The problem I have is that I really don't want to chance bypassing the passive crossovers within the speakers. I have to place an active crossover between the pre and amps and then I just have to grow a pair and bypass the crossovers in the speakers. But what of the SDA network within?????

    This is where I become a bit yella. I've had a few trusted members here tell me to can the crossover crap and just buy a really really good amp. That is my 2 cents on this subject.
  • Libertyc
    Libertyc Posts: 915
    edited November 2006
    The problem I have is that I really don't want to chance bypassing the passive crossovers within the speakers. I have to place an active crossover between the pre and amps and then I just have to grow a pair and bypass the crossovers in the speakers. But what of the SDA network within?????

    Hey Joe:

    If you bypass the crossovers in your 1.2tls you will kill the SDA effect.

    Why is it necessary to bypass the internal crossover on a speaker that has 2 sets of binding posts and is already set up for biamping?