Sgmlaw - We were aware of the Bell Labs research, which concurred with Jon Dahlquist's exclusive use of 18 solid in the DQ10. We compared 18 solid with 18 stranded and the solid won hands-down. Cousin Ted concurred and we went with 18.
In my present work, I am considering ganged runs of 18 solid for mid and/or woofer where the larger cross-section would increase instantaneous ampacity. Also in the mix is a various strand gauge litzed solid bundle with 15 gauge aggregate size.
Straight wire does have effects beyond resistance. I am keeping my layouts linear around a central wire corridor to minimize antenna effects and stray field losses. I have various wires to compare - in the mi are single, double or triple twisted 18s depending on use.
