@holmz Thanks so much for this info and response. Was very helpful for me.
Would you have any insight on the impact of using 8' of twisted speaker wire on sound (or 8' of any speaker wire for that matter). Once all done up, the 8' came out to about 7ish feet long for each leg. I could go shorter by a full foot to a foot and half I think, it would just make the cables be suspended to the amp (amp sits on shelf 2' off floor). Is 8' considered "long"? Should I try to make shorter?
It's interesting I was actually looking at that same Kimber 8TC cable, and one that GR Research offers that looks exactly the same (only more affordable?). I had seen the specs on it earlier, and it measures really well. I know a few people running the GR Research version with a ton of great responses. I heard a comparison to simple Home Depot (Monster?) 16ga wire, and it was startling, like two totally different stereo systems were playing.
The Belden is interesting in reading how many 'tube and vinyl' folks seem to absolutely love it. Though some of me wonders if it's because of the older no-longer-sourced 497 wire that is coveted as like wired velvet. Though it looks the same, and is the same basic construction method (unshielded tinned OFC copper), I am sure it doesn't perform nor sound really anything like the original wire. The claims are similar to that of the Western Electric oiled cloth tinned copper wire (think similar in beliefs as Dueland wire?). I have to wonder if the claims of sonic qualities are artifacts of actual imprefections or short comings. Things like "warmer more romantic sound, not as biting highs", are all a result of a lesser-quality-material construction and implementation!
So far, with twisted pair to each of the 4 binding posts on the amp and speakers, things sound fine. It's a bit less resolving or not-as-crisp/detailed tonally and maybe actual information edges as my reference AntiCable (solid core) bi-wire set. I think "smeared/blended" would be accurate in some ways...not a lot, like maybe 5%? I don't know about wire/cable break in truth electrically, but I'll run these for a week or two and do an A-B with the Anti-Cables.
I want to get a set of the Kimber 8TC though. For the money (as opposed to free Belden 9497!), though not cheap, you can make your own very high quality and very high rated (electrically, not just Forum-fluff) speaker cables. I am leaning on NO terminations.....I mean, why add another piece of metal into the mix, right? I think as a TRUE "reference" speaker cable, that would be perfect for a low-lower mid hi fi set up.
Thanks again for your help I appreciate your time.