Thread: Is this a bad idea for testing speaker cables?

Will this work or be a possible fiasco?

Is it safe to hook up 2 pairs of speaker cables to one pair of speakers but using the A and B outputs on the amp in order to easily A-B 2 pairs of cables without physically swapping them out and in?

I think no reason why not, provided the amp outputs are properly switched so there's no danger that both pairs of cables are "live" at the same time. Even then there should be no harm done if the polarity is correct.

For cable (or speakers, or amps) comparision, I used this clever box of tricks.

2 in 2 out 2 Way Passive Speaker Selector Switcher Splitter Switch Box Black | eBay

Mine is branded Beresford, but it appears identical. The switches break before they make so quite safe.

Beresford TC-7220 MKIII Amplifier/Speaker Selector | eBay

I really don't think the unused cable (that's now disconnected from the amp) will have any noticable influence if the idea is to COMPARE cables. For comparative purposes, these switchers (or directly to a switchable amp) will allow the OP to judge. Then he can remove the less good pair and he's achhieved what he set out to do - establish which cable is beter for his speakers.

It does make sense that both pair will be in the circuit tho only 1 pair will be driving the speaker the other will add to the speakers resistance like having an extra 8' of wire before the xover. So you will be listening to the combination of both pair together.

I don't want to open a can of worms. I think you will be alright listening to one pair then disconnecting and listening to the others, using same tracks. You will get a feel of the character and if they appeal to you. This lack of audio memory thing is over blown, you will be able to discern which cable has the better bass response, midrange, highs etc.

Originally Posted by Mr Peabody

I don't want to open a can of worms. I think you will be alright listening to one pair then disconnecting and listening to the others, using same tracks. You will get a feel of the character and if they appeal to you. This lack of audio memory thing is over blown, you will be able to discern which cable has the better bass response, midrange, highs etc.

It's not about the memory. Its about climbing behind my system to get to everything with ease. I have been dealing with the Flu for 2 weeks so not doing much of anything but will return to this experiment soon. I just wanted to make sure I would not damage anything doing it this way.

Thanks for the Input Mr P

I'm pretty sure what you've described will result in amplifier module A sending a signal back into amplifier module B when you've only enabled A, and vice versa. Which could damage something, in addition to having both the extra cable and the second amplifier module circuitry seen as part of the load by the active amplifier module.

Think of it this way. Would you connect a wire between the speaker output terminals of one amplifier to the speaker output terminals of a second amplifier?

I did it last night but have not had a lot of time to listen yet. There is a difference, just have to decide if it is good, bad, or just different.

It seems like the Synergistic cables yield a bigger airy sound while the Kimber is more solid and analytic.

Originally Posted by Shadowfax

I have been dealing with the Flu for 2 weeks

COVID Brian ? Hope you're better soon !

Originally Posted by Mikado463

COVID Brian ? Hope you're better soon !

No, the Flu like everyone else. I won't get tested anyway so it's of no significance.
Thanks tho, I am over the worst of it. No fever for a few days and mostly congestion now and tired. Been sleeping 10-12 hours a night.

Luckily we started taking Dr Zelenko's Z-Stack a week before we both got it so it could have been worse.