Installing Cabinet Speakers

Installing Cabinet Speakers: Bi-Wire Connection

Bi-Wire Connection with Dual Banana Plugs

Many audiophiles (self-proclaimed home audio enthusiasts/experts) will only connect speakers using bi-wire or bi-amping. The benefit to most listeners is negligible and not worth the additional cost. But to audio-purists, even the slightest improvement can make all the difference to their listening experience.

Bi-wiring is the most affordable option because it can be done from any amplifier (receiver) and your only additional expense is some special cable. Bi-wiring utilizes the same amplifier channel to power the tweeter (high frequencies) and mid-low range drivers (mid-low frequencies). On our Level THREE speakers, the upper binding posts send the signal through the crossover and more directly to the tweeter. The lower binding posts send the signal through the crossover and more directly to the mid-low range drivers.

While some benefit is gained by simply "doubling" the amount of cable, the real benefit of bi-wiring is achieved when a special type of cable is used to transfer the high frequency signal and another type is used for the mid-low frequencies. HTD bi-wire cable uses 14 gauge silver-plated copper for the high frequencies and 11 gauge copper for the mid-low frequencies (read more). At the amplifier, the two positive cables are connected together to the positive post and the two negative cables are connected together to the negative post.

Bi-amping takes this one step further and uses one amplifier solely for the tweeter and a separate amplifier solely for the mid-low range drivers. This is a much more expensive option and because the benefit is not dramatic or even noticeable to most listeners, it is only recommended for audiophiles who can justify the performance to cost ratio.