Audioquest FAQ: "Should I Biwire My Speakers?"

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Audioquest FAQ

FAQ's

Q. DOES AUDIOQUEST SELL DIRECT?
A. No, AudioQuest only sells its products through its network of authorized
dealers & distributors. We have around 300 dealers in the U.S., plus dealers
in more than 60 other countries, so there's probably a dealer near you. For
the name of your nearest dealer, click on DEALER LOCATOR below. If you would
also like to receive a printed copy of our online "Cable Theory" brochure,
click on CONTACT US instead. You can request both information and the name
of your nearest dealer. Just complete the online form and click "submit".
It's as easy as that! You should receive a reply within 24 hours (please
allow more time if you submit your form on the weekend). Alternatively, you
can call us at + 949 585 0111 between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm (pacific time)
Monday through Friday.

Q. WHICH CABLES ARE RIGHT FOR MY SYSTEM?
A. There really is no such thing as the "right" cable for any system. The
only way to obtain the very best performance from any system is to ensure
that distortion is reduced as much as possible. A better cable introduces
less distortion into the system than an inferior cable - it doesn't improve
the signal that it's carrying. In exactly the same way, a better CD player
(or a better pre-amp, power amp, tuner, tape deck, etc.) sounds better
because it introduces less distortion into your system - it isn't improving
the signal. Therefore, the best cable for your system is the best cable
within your budget. Remember - better is always better!

Q. WHICH HAS THE BIGGEST IMPACT ON THE PERFORMANCE OF MY SYSTEM - SPEAKER
CABLES OR INTERCONNECTS?
A. Neither - they are of equal importance. As an example: if you use our
least expensive interconnect cable with our best speaker cable, the end
result would be much the same as if you used the best interconnect cable
with the least expensive speaker cable.

Q. MY SPEAKERS ARE BI-WIREABLE. SHOULD I BI-WIRE THEM?
A. Absolutely! Bi-wiring significantly reduces distortion in the cable,
providing you with a much better sounding system. With a full range cable
(i.e. one with simply one positive and one negative connector at each end),
all the frequencies travel along the whole cable. Because the bass
frequencies have significantly more energy than the mids & highs, they cause
distortion. When you bi-wire (using a 3 way speaker as an example), the
amplifier sees such a high impedance at the treble input (remember - it's
really the treble and midrange input) that only the mids & highs travel
along the treble cable. Now that there is no longer any harmful lower range
energy present in the treble cable, the mids & highs sound more open and
detailed. Even though all the frequencies travel along the bass cable, the
mids & highs don't have enough energy to modulate the bass frequencies.

Q. SHOULD I USE 2 SEPARATE CABLES OR ONE BI-WIRE CABLE?
A. That depends - is your speaker a 2 way or a 3 way design? If it's a 2
way, see the answer to the question "high crossover or low crossover - which
one do I need?" below. If it's a 3 way, the very best results will be
achieved using two separate cables. To explain why, please see the section
on 3 way speakers in the answer below.

More Audioquest FAQ