Hi Harry,
Yes, there is some science behind it. Twisting the conductors together will reduce inductance and increase capacitance.
For either configuration, as you probably realize, both parameters (and resistance as well) are proportional to length.
Under most circumstances, including the cables you appear to be describing, capacitance in speaker cables is unimportant.
Inductance can be marginally significant, if the total inductance of the cable for the length being used is excessive in relation to the impedance of the speakers in the uppermost octave (10kHz to 20kHz). That would most commonly tend to be a concern with electrostatic speakers, which often have impedances that drop to very low values at high frequencies. In that situation excessive inductance will result in a slight loss of upper treble extension.
In the case of dynamic speakers, which commonly have impedances that rise or at least remain fairly flat at high frequencies, I would not expect that effect to be significant even for very long cable lengths.
If you'd like a more quantitative answer, let us know the length of the cables, and the make and model of the speakers and amplifier. Also, if possible, an approximate indication of the overall diameter of the insulation. Assuming an impedance vs. frequency curve is available for the speakers, I could then do some calculations that would provide a more quantitative perspective on it all.
Best regards,
-- Al
Yes, there is some science behind it. Twisting the conductors together will reduce inductance and increase capacitance.
For either configuration, as you probably realize, both parameters (and resistance as well) are proportional to length.
Under most circumstances, including the cables you appear to be describing, capacitance in speaker cables is unimportant.
Inductance can be marginally significant, if the total inductance of the cable for the length being used is excessive in relation to the impedance of the speakers in the uppermost octave (10kHz to 20kHz). That would most commonly tend to be a concern with electrostatic speakers, which often have impedances that drop to very low values at high frequencies. In that situation excessive inductance will result in a slight loss of upper treble extension.
In the case of dynamic speakers, which commonly have impedances that rise or at least remain fairly flat at high frequencies, I would not expect that effect to be significant even for very long cable lengths.
If you'd like a more quantitative answer, let us know the length of the cables, and the make and model of the speakers and amplifier. Also, if possible, an approximate indication of the overall diameter of the insulation. Assuming an impedance vs. frequency curve is available for the speakers, I could then do some calculations that would provide a more quantitative perspective on it all.
Best regards,
-- Al