With this question you'll probably get more opinions than responses. The ultimate determining factor is: If it's illegal or immoral, don't try it.
Popular belief says thicker is better. More recently, some are saying thinner can be better. Like the 26 gauge that you mention.
When bi-wiring, some to many times the thicker gauge is lower for the bass and higher for the mids and highs. At other times the thickness is the same for bass and mids and highs.
But, as always, what really should matter more than anything is the quality of the materials and build of the product.
The Nordost Valhallas are very thin, even sheer. I have no idea what gauge they are but some say they are among the very best and most expensive cables made.
As for me, I'm using Harmonic Technology Pro 9 bi-wired cables. I believe they are 9 guage for the bass runs and perhaps 16 gauge for the uppers. This cable is bi-wired but I purchased it in mono wire format. Meaning it had single spades at both amp and speaker ends. Upon converting and terminating them for bi-wiring, I noticed a more airy presentation with better imaging and 3-d soundstaging.
-IMO
Popular belief says thicker is better. More recently, some are saying thinner can be better. Like the 26 gauge that you mention.
When bi-wiring, some to many times the thicker gauge is lower for the bass and higher for the mids and highs. At other times the thickness is the same for bass and mids and highs.
But, as always, what really should matter more than anything is the quality of the materials and build of the product.
The Nordost Valhallas are very thin, even sheer. I have no idea what gauge they are but some say they are among the very best and most expensive cables made.
As for me, I'm using Harmonic Technology Pro 9 bi-wired cables. I believe they are 9 guage for the bass runs and perhaps 16 gauge for the uppers. This cable is bi-wired but I purchased it in mono wire format. Meaning it had single spades at both amp and speaker ends. Upon converting and terminating them for bi-wiring, I noticed a more airy presentation with better imaging and 3-d soundstaging.
-IMO