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Diagonal Connection With Two Pairs Of Binding Posts

This is from the Chord website:

"As a general rule, the treble connections are usually reckoned to produce better sound quality than the bass connections. However, in many cases, we find that a diagonal connection produces the most musically coherent sound. To do this, connect the positive (+) speaker cable to the positive treble connection and the negative speaker cable (-) to the negative bass connection. So in effect, the cable is connected diagonally. This is quick, easy and fun to do and the results are easy to hear."

I decided to try this today on my Harbeth SHL5+ speakers. Previously, my cables were connected to the lower posts (LF).

I listened to very familiar music for a couple of hours and the change was significant and for the better. The high frequencies were clearer without being bright. The soundstage was wider and overall sound had more presence.

I was not aware that a diagonal connection was an option.

Has anyone tried this? What were the results?

I left the jumpers in place. Should they stay in place in a diagonal set up?

Would appreciate your thoughts/comments.
          
ericsch
ericsch OP
753 posts
 
After I posted this I went over to HUG and looked at some of the comments. I know they have their biases (all amplifiers sound basically the same, exotic speaker wire is a waste of money, etc.). Alan Shaw says that since the SHL5 series has always bi-wire capability he did not want to change it because then his dealers would be stuck with an outdated model. Further, it was strictly a marketing decision to keep 4 binding posts, i.e. customer choice.

He said he never listened to them bi-wired and they were not voiced that way.  

BTW, none of his other speakers are set up for bi-wire.

FWIW, I have had the SHL5 Plus 40th Anniversary for over 3 years and they are wonderful speakers.  

      
nonoise's avatar
nonoise
10,883 posts
 
Great news. It pays to poke around and read as much as you can on the subject. Knowing, now, that the speakers don't really need the use of 4 binding posts, I'd just get the best pair of jumpers you can afford and be done with it, except for the experimenting you'll be doing with which posts to use.

All the best,
Nonoise
ghosthouse's avatar
ghosthouse
4,312 posts
 
@ericsch
I second what Nonoise (and others?) have said about getting the best jumpers you can afford.

After living with mftr. supplied jumpers and trying DIY (didn’t hear a significant change), I finally sprang for a used set of mid product range Cardas. I was very surprised at the noticeable improvement those little runs of wire did provide. Another area of wire skepticism laid to rest. Once you decide what connection arrangement suits you best, definitely consider upgrading your jumpers.
fiesta75
1,378 posts
 
Remove the jumpers and bi-amp with an active crossover, you will never go back. Passive crossovers suck, especially stock ones.
tablejockey
3,916 posts
 
At least this tweak is FREE!
One of those-"if you think it works, then it does" 

Looks impressive enough to leave it as is, even though I can't hear a difference. Tried it years ago when I purchased Nordost cables/jumpers. My non audio friends approve.

Fiesta75 's suggestion is the real solution to wiring those 4 posts. Painful on the wallet though.
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