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Possibly dumb question: can I use two cable runs for each channel, not bi-wired?

I'm moving my components into another room, in order to shorten the existing 30 foot cable runs to about 10 feet,
and will run the cable through the wall between adjoining rooms. I'm wondering if I can make use of the resulting "left-over" lengths of cable by doubling up each run, utilizing one pair of binding posts for each side. Has anyone tried this? Question #2: should the pairs be jointly terminated,or should I use bananas coupled with spades, so that there are 4 terminations at each post? I haven't sen any references to this in the past, so it may well be in violation of some basic rule of physics, but I thought I'd ask, anyway. 

stuartk
stuartk OP
2,467 posts
 
Thanks for your comments. 

1) Al: the maker of this particular cable combines two runs of it into a shotgun for their more expensive product, so I'm assuming it's OK. 

2) the reason I asked this question, is that I've gotten conflicting opinions re: bi-wiring: one says I have to use tow different gauges of wire for woofers and tweeters, while another says I can use the same gauge. If I can use the existing cable to bi-wire, I will do that. I'm just not clera about what I can or can't do in this regard. 
almarg's avatar
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almarg
9,670 posts
 
Hi Stuart,

There’s no problem either bi-wiring or paralleling the same gauges or different gauges. All of those approaches will function well, aside from the caveat I mentioned about cables having ultra-high capacitance (which appears to be inapplicable in this case). Opinions and experiences will differ regarding which approach is likely to be most optimal from a sonic standpoint, and figure to be dependent on the particular equipment, room, and listener. In many cases it might not make much if any difference at all.

So if you feel so inclined, try it both ways. Or if not just enjoy!

Regards,
-- Al

stuartk OP
2,467 posts
 
Thanks a lot for your helpful response, Al; it's much appreciated! 
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almarg
9,670 posts
 
You’re welcome! One more point: Be very careful not to mix up + and -. Specifically, when two speaker cables are connected in parallel if + and - are interchanged at one end (and only one end) of one of the two cables (but not both cables), the result will be a direct short across the the amplifier’s + and - output terminals. Which of course would definitely not be healthy for the amp.

Regards,
-- Al

stuartk OP
2,467 posts
 
Yikes!  I will be extra careful! 
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