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Vandersteen 2Ci - Bi-wire cable question

This might sound like a stupid question but I'm going to ask anyway. I see lots of bi-wire speaker cables with one pair wire connection to the amp on one side and two pairs (bi-wire) on the other/speaker end. I always questioned the wisdom and wondered how these cables are made. So here's my question: Are there any benefits in "converting" my regular speaker cables into bi-wire by simply splicing two short pairs of  cables, of course same quality as the main cable with connectors on the speaker ends.The speaker in question is Vandersteen 2Ci which doesn't have jumpers. I'm also wondering how folks hook up regular speaker wires to these speakers.

Or, I should also ask if a bi-wire connection mandatory on these speakers? Thanks.

kalali
kalali's avatar
kalali OP
1,977 posts
 
Thanks everyone for the input. I found a used pair locally and picking them up later tonight. Very excited. They are replacing a pair of MMGs that I bought a few months ago and as much as I liked their crisp sound and nice soundstage, I could not warm up to their sound texture and the extra narrow listening position. I'm also looking forward to getting a better bass foundation which the MMGs seemed to lack. It was definitely worth the experience. I'll let you folks know how I make out and will probably ask more questions once I get them hooked up. Thanks again.
gdnrbob
4,506 posts
 
You didn't mention what brand cables you are picking up.
B
miketuason
337 posts
 
I have the Vandersteen 2CE Sig II and Vandersteen highly recommend to use the BiWire. A true BiWire is a pair goes the the amp end then from the amp it split into two separate pair that goes all the way to the speaker end. It doesn't split at the end of the speaker wire so you actual have four wires through out the length of the speaker cable.  If you go to Vandersteen website you can look and download the manual for the model 2s. It will show you the difference between the biwires.
stang500hpaol
51 posts
 
Bob
 I think he means he found a pair of Vandersteens locally.
  You know what works nice in cables already.
 Best,
 JohnnyR
kalali's avatar
kalali OP
1,977 posts
 

Well gentlemen, the speakers are in and hooked up. Heavy puppies with the Sound Anchor stands and they look practically new. Followed Johnny’s suggestion and made a set of jumpers using 8 awg wire and I really like the sound they make. Very open and balanced sound top to bottom with bass filled in just the right amount. Good soundstage and a wide sweet spot that allows others to enjoy the music as well. Overall very happy about the switch.

As for cables, the challenge I have is that these speakers are in a room adjacent to the rest of my system and the I have a roughly 25’ long wire (12 awg) run through the basement to the speakers. The amp does have two pairs of outputs and I can try running a second pair from the amp if you guys think its worth the effort. The wires are nothing special and are cheap, its just the effort of fishing them through the wall, basement, etc.

Thanks again for all the input. I can now see why these speakers have lasted the test of time and offer such a great value.

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