Bi-Wiring
Simple Explanation
Running two sets of speaker wires from one amplifier to separate high- and low-frequency inputs on a speaker.
Concise Technical Definition
A speaker connection method that uses two pairs of wires from the same amplifier output to separately connect the woofer and tweeter terminals of a bi-wire-capable speaker.
Layman-Friendly Analogy
Like using two hoses from the same tap—one for filling a bucket and the other for watering plants—both doing separate jobs from the same source.
Industry Usage Summary
Though popular among audiophiles, bi-wiring offers debatable audible benefits. It is mainly implemented on compatible speaker systems to theoretically reduce interaction between high and low frequencies, although most tests show minimal sonic improvement.
Engineering Shortcut
Bi-Wiring = 2 cables from 1 amp to speaker’s tweeter + woofer inputs (jumper removed).
Full Technical Explanation
Bi-wiring involves using two separate cables from a single amplifier channel to independently connect a speaker's woofer and tweeter sections, which are otherwise linked by internal or external jumpers. The process requires removing the metal bridge between the two sets of speaker binding posts. Proponents claim it improves clarity by reducing mutual interference between frequency bands, though scientific evidence supporting audible improvements is limited.