Nordost reference jumpers vs second set of cables

If you are a high roller get another set of Heimdall's. Otherwise the cheap B&W jumpers will do just fine! And save you thousands!

Why do many here think that two or three inches of metal have an effect upon the sound of a speaker? 

I am sure that Synergistic Research will be happy to sell you a cryo-ed Rhodium-plated pair of jumpers for $500!

I ordered a cable for $700, so not too bad. When I did the test, I played Glen Gould, Bach: the Goldberg Variations. He hums when he plays. Using the stock jumpers, I could hear it, but the separation sucked. When I used both speaker cables, the timbre and separation was definitely noticeable in comparison. 

OP,

I have all Audio Research gear. I find it is very synergistic. While I have experimented with different tubes on other equipment, I have never done so on ARC stuff… because first and formost the company has very carefully chosen every component to achieve a very specific sound. They have been working for decades to get this exact sound. Also, they use mostly contemporary made for “High End Audio” tubes… many not produced long ago.

Just for fun I called up a vintage tube fanatic… he berated Audio Research for the crap they made, and how terrible todays tubes are, and he was to call me back and give me some options. He never called back. This lunatic is highly regarded by tube aficionados. I spoke to a couple dealers that called him a raving lunatic.

That does not at all mean you shouldn’t play with tubes… go for it. I’d be very interested in hearing what you find out.