Is there any advantage to bi-wiring speakers? My Pioneer VSX-82tsx supports this and the M80v2 do as well. I've never used it and don't really know what it does. Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks - Mark

Absolutely, positively zero benefit. If the single wire (pair) you use now meets the minimum gauge requirements, then adding a second cable provides no benefit. It's no different than using a single, thicker cable.

Don't worry about it Mark,just sit back and enjoy. Make sure your AVR is stable with 4ohm 80's though.

I think so.

I'm pretty sure if you mixed up the "low" and the "high" the sound would be upside down. Thanks Monster Cable!

Mark, welcome. No, biwiring(aka buywiring)is simply another audiophile mythology which has no factual basis. The wiring is separated as it leaves the amplifier rather than inside the speaker as it enters the crossover, but this has no electrical significance.

I have tried bi-wiring my M80's and can hear absolutely NO difference. I also have tried it with a pair of B&W 704's. Same deal, no difference. But we all have to try things at least once and see right? See the Roger Russell link posted above. Very good reading and info.

I'm finding that is the problem. The VSX-82 doesn't "support" 4-ohms with its impedence matching. Only 6- and 8-ohms. I've read where I shouldn't use the impedence matching on any amp because it affects the sound. I love the M80's - I wonder why the design choice to make them 4-ohms. Do most receivers/amps support them?

So is the design factor for bi-amping? So a user can have their own cross-overs/amps for hi and lows?

There have been a few folks here that have had sucsess with using Pioneer receivers powering the M80s. I would give it a try if that is what you are wanting. While it is true the M80s are speced at a 4 ohm load they are a pretty easy 4 ohm not dipping below that and being above it in most of their range. Combine this with a sensitivity rating of 95db they are not a hard speaker to drive.



As far as the dual binding post goes they are there to satisfy those who expect them in a higher end speaker, that's all.

Hi agentfox,

It's not a design choice to make a speaker 4 ohms--see my post in the technical questions thread; rather, it results from running six drivers in parallel. And you are correct, most AV receivers have specific warnings about running 4-ohm loads because with seven amplifiers on the same chassis and, typically, one power supply for all of them, the latter can't deliver enough current to 4-ohm main speakers without overheating, etc.

However, certain brands we've tested at the plant have sufficiently robust power supplies that they will drive the M80s without problems (Sherwood Newcastle, Denon, H/K). You can try your Pioneer, but set it to the 8-ohm setting, otherwise it will automatically limit current and the power into a 4-ohm load. It will either drive them or it won't. You won't damage your Pioneer.

Regards,

AgentFox:

I have the VSX 84 and have no trouble with the 80's. Leave your reciever at 8 ohms and I'm sure your 82 will work just fine with them.

Put your receiver on the 6 or 8 ohm setting try the M80s. I suspect that you will be pleasantly surprised at the results.