What wire config for tri-wired speakers?

Hey Bill this is pure speculation but with your particular speakers the bass cabinets are two of the tri-wire run you are considering. Knowing what I do about bass and your speakers, all the speaker cables are doing is transfering a linelevel signal that needs to be converted to something the onboard amps can read(which is digital in your case). I would try using something of a high gauge(something not foolishly expensive) and see what happens before you tri-wire with dreamdancers :)

From my experience biwiring bass panels, the human ear is incapable of discerning the extreme subtleties in the bass region. So don't waste a lot of money trying! I don't know what your bass cabinets are crossed over at but its got to be real low.

Also when you get a chance send me Paul's number so I can give him a hard time :^)

The designer of the amp should be able to give some indication but there is a lot of uncertainty because you are dealing with multiple variables. As a general rule though excessive capacitance will increase the likelihood of amplifier oscillation and instability.

The cables based upon two layers of foil are long and effective capacitors. Don't use them in either long runs of speaker cable or in multiple runs where the capacitance will add up. I don't use them period but they are probably safe in short single runs for most amplifiers.

My personal opinion is that either bi wiring or tri-wiring isn't a real cost effective tweak. Especially when you are dealing with expensive designer cables. If you want to see the effects of bi & tri-wiring buy some inexpensive yet well designed speaker cable and give it a try yourself. That way you can make a decision based on first hand experience before spending big dollars on three runs of high dollar cables.

The responses probe the question, is the additional benefit worth the cost? I don't know. Certainly the VR-11's need no more base, as they are adjustable. I am mostly concerned with pace, speed and musicality. I will write to Tenor to inquire if the use of three sets of wires produces a risk to either the amps or the speakers. Secondly, I'll attempt to borrow two pairs of eight foot Jena Pathfinders so that I have three sets to work with. I am open to all possibilities including that it makes no difference at all. Given the room and the equipment, it seems foolish not to go the extra mile to learn if it the multiple wiring matters. What I don't think I can muster is a biwired interconnect to run two amps per speaker.

Bill E

Bill--for the bass use a heavy copper cable--doesn't have to be super-expensive. Use separate runs of the same model wire for the mids and tweeters. Forget the jumpers.

Jacob,

I'm not sure I really understand your comment. I've been lead to believe that it's necessary to use the same length of wire to all parts of the speaker to insure proper timing and capacitance. I would expect wire of different sizes, gauges and types to produce unexpected distortion.

Am I off?

Also, are you suggesting that I dump the fancy cables in lieu of home made?

Bill