Bi-Wire Cable Question - Can They Be Used As Standard Speaker Cables Without A Problem?


I believe I know the likely answer to this, but just want to be certain. There are a used pair of speaker cables that just appeared for sale which I have been trying to find for nearly a year. They were reported by a quality audio reviewer to have special synergy with my upstairs system. The only issue is that the pair for sale are bi-wired. I have no means to use them bi-wired since my speakers cannot accommodate that. Can I use them as a standard pair of speaker cables without a problem? And what would be the proper means of connecting the ends with two pairs of wires? I strongly suspect it shouldn't be an issue, but I've simply never come across this specific situation before.

My speakers are Magnepans, which won't accept spades, so that complicates things a bit. That would mean no possible way of connecting all four wires to the speaker binding posts. If it is possible to use just two of the leads I plan to use Audioquest banana adaptors as a solution.

Thanks for any assistance with this.


nightfall
Alternately you can connect the two "positive" leads together. Then the two "negative" leads together. This has the benefit of halving the resistance and leaving no loose leads. I would do this!
Given you seem to be interested in sound quality; replacing those cheap, signal degrading, Stainless Steel speaker posts, with good 5-Way binding posts, couldn’t be much easier. Not very expensive and you’ll eliminate the adapter/extra connections. To answer your initial question; parallel the cable pairs(roberjerman’s method), stacking the respective spades(+ and +/- and - ). Or, contact the cable manufacturer and inquire about summing the pairs, w/new terminals. If they could do that with bananas, it would make everything easier for you.
I would just stack the two spade ends to the banana adapter and plug them in.
If the wire is from a company like Audioquest, you can have the cables re-terminated for not much money.
Bob
I'm with Bob.  I'd just go with the new AQ speaker cables and have them terminated the way you need them.  I just ordered a run of William Tell bi wire combo after auditioning a bunch of cables.  If you can afford any of the new Garth designed cables, you will be in for a treat with your system.