Alpha-Core Goertz speaker cables

I've been using the MI3 speaker cables for many years with out any amp problems, but I recently purchased new speakers with a tri-wire connectons on back. I have the opportunity to purchase another set of (used) MI3 cables, but I wonder if doubling the amount of these cables will cause my amp problems. Anyone out there had experience with this? I've had my cables since 1997 so I don't know what I did with the networks or if I ever had them.

Gkp, without knowing any of the details of your system and setup, particularly what amplifier you are using and how long the cables are, I'd have to say that without a Zobel it would be a significant concern.

The MI3, along with the AG3, have the highest capacitance of any of the Goertz cables, at 1500 pf/foot. From the perspective of the amplifier, using a biwire pair will double that.

Factors that would increase the likelihood of a problem are long cable length, the amplifier being solid state, the amplifier having wide bandwidth, and the amplifier using relatively large amounts of feedback.

Regards,
-- Al

Thanks for your insight, Al. At this point I will probably pass on the extra set of cables and just get better jumpers. But if the system matters that much, here you are: Tube amp--AudioPrism Debut Mk1. It is very flexible in that the output can be set to 2,4,6, or 8 ohms, and the feedback has settings for each of those outputs. Right now I'm using the 4 ohm output setting and the '6' feedback setting. Only problem is that the bottom panel must be removed to make any changes. I think it has 16 screws!

My speakers are the Spendor SP 9/1. They have a 5.6 minimum impedance, and are rated at 91dB sensitivity. The MI3 cables are 8 feet long.

So, good or bad match for the bi-wire option?

Thanks again.

Gkp, if it were a solid state amp, with 8 feet of cable being required, I would definitely recommend against using a pair of biwired MI3's (without a Zobel, at least). I couldn't find detailed specs on the Debut Mk1 (particularly bandwidth and how much feedback position 6 corresponds to), but FWIW my instinct is that since it is tube-based you would probably be ok, but nevertheless the risk isn't worth it.

I suspect that the chances of oscillation and/or damage occurring would be small, but even so putting 24,000 pf of capacitance across each of the amplifier outputs doesn't figure to be helpful sonically.

At this point I will probably pass on the extra set of cables and just get better jumpers.

Sounds like a plan!

Regards,
-- Al

You might want to read a review of the AG 2s I did back in 2005 for ultraaudio, a webzine.

I owned, simultaneously, the Alpha Core and the Valhalla (both interconnect and speaker cables) and found them nearly (not completely) indistinguishable.

Interestingly enough, back around 1998 or maybe a bit later, TAS also had a review of the Divinity line, and found them superior to the Nordost. Roman Zacjew wrote the review. HP later commented on them, and was surprised to hear that they were nearly indistinguishable - but later on, he used a turntable and found the differences more pronounced.