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Need a good Nerd Opinion - Biwire Best Value

Hey guys,

I am by no means an audiophile, but I'm also not a novice. I've recently settled on a new reciever (Arcam AVR400 or 450), to replace my current setup, and will probably be upgrading to KEF R300's. Not the most elaborate system in the world, but much better than most. That said, I am having a hard time figuring out the cabling situation. I've decided to biamp my front mains, but am not sure what biwire solution offers the most value. To complicate things, one run will be 3x's the length as the other. Any suggestions on a brand and/or configuration I should look in to? I am not spending $500 on cables. I just can't bring myself to do it. Since you guys are the experts, I figured you might know about some hidden gems that are at a good price point, and offer better than average performance.

Thanks!
Tony
unctonythetiger
zd542
5,339 posts
 
I don't understand what you are trying to do. I have several pairs of Vandersteen that are biwired. How you do it with them is to just use 2 desperate runs of the exact same cable. That said, if you are biamping using 4 channels on your Arcam, instead of 2, you cant biwire unless you have more than 2 sets of binding posts on your speakers. For example, 2 channels would run single wire to the bass binding posts and the other 2 channels could go to the binding posts for the mids and highs in a biwire config. But I think your speakers only have 2 sets of posts, so biwiring wouldn't be possible. If you were just using 2 channels on your Arcam, then yes, you can biwire.
unctonythetiger OP
12 posts
 
Sorry meant to say biamp. KEF R series have 4 binding posts (2 sets). I didn't realize that there was even a distinction in language between biamp (4-wires) and biwire(2-wires on one end with 4 on the other)! They were interchangeable in my head until about an hour ago. You are right, I'm going to *biamp* the front R & L, using 4 channels on the Arcam.
lak's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
lak
4,687 posts
 
I also have a 9' Valab 4x4.
zd542
5,339 posts
 
Since biwiring is not an issue because you're using 4 channels, the only thing that remains is cable choice. Opinions vary, but I recommend using the exact same cables for all channels. Some people try to use different cables for the highs and lows hoping to get better sound. If that works for you, great. That's all that matters. But every time I've tried it, I wasn't happy with the results. I could always hear the 2 different cables.

If you want to learn more about biamping and biwiring, go to Vandersteen's web site and download owners manuals for something like the Model 2 or 3. They do a great job explaining all the different terms and options. Also, Vandersteen was the first one to come up with concept of biwiring.
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,490 posts
 
Yes Anti-Cables....they are so inexpensive, you can get the same lengths for each side and just dress them accordingly. Anti- Cables have various "levels"....the higher the level the better, but don't be afraid of their cheapest ones.
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