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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
 
@ryder Look at the Nordost link earlier in this thread. On the second page, the third illustration shows the diagonal connection. The Audioquest article was a little clearer, but that link doesn't seem to be working.  
ghosthouse's avatar
ghosthouse
4,312 posts
 
@ryder

See if this helps clarify things:

Jumpers are used with both Nordost and Audioquest diagonal speaker connections and jumper connections are the same for each, i.e, from upper to lower speaker binding posts (+ to + & - to -).

For the 2 speaker cable leads going to each speaker...
The Nordost method has + (red) leg going to the corresponding (+) BOTTOM binding post and - (black) leg going to the corresponding (-) UPPER binding post.

The Audioquest method is opposite, i.e., it has + (red) going to the corresponding UPPER binding post and - (black) going to the corresponding LOWER binding post.

That’s all there is to it.

ryder
1,690 posts
 
Thanks Ericsch and Ghosthouse. It’s clear now. Chord has the same recommendation as Audioquest (+ Red going to UPPER (treble) binding post and - Black going to LOWER (bass) binding post). I use this connection with the Harbeth SHL5+ using Chord Signature jumpers. I’ve tried the various permutations several years ago and the differences are subtle, not night and day but it’s there. A better balanced and coherent sound with the diagonal connection and this was with Harbeth speakers.

When I was looking for new speakers, one of the prerequisites is the speaker has to have a single pair of binding post. Save all the hassle and better sound too. Harbeth did admit that biwiring binding posts were provided due to marketing. The people wanted it as they believe biwiring will produce better sound quality. Apparently not.

Millercarbon - nice killer system!

classdstreamer's avatar
classdstreamer
172 posts
 
@ericsch I've been playing with wiring options since your post. Both diagonal options did sound different. For now I settled with + in the treble post and - in the bass post of my B&W CM8S2. I'm impressed that the difference would be as clear as it was. I also replaced the stock nickel jumper bars with some speaker wire. Again, that provided another improvement to the sound. 
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