i reckon, ITGuy, your comment re connectors on solid core conductors. though i s'pose bare wire'd work jess fine on binding posts. i've never actually tried it. i'm anxiously awaiting all-new gear; the 970/7075 combo with magnepan mmg-w, and a mini hsu sub. maybe i'll try solid core while i'm messing around with speaker placement. if it sounds good, i'll report. wouldn't it be a hoot if plain old 12 ga. THHN proved superior to monster cable. i'd have a posse of audio salesmen on my tail fer sure. basically, though, i think i'd trust the opinion of my old partner the rocket scientist over that of an audio salesman any old day. the salesman my be faster on the draw with a quick sales pitch, but a physicist will definitely be closer to reality. and as wyatt earp said; "fast is fine, but accuracy is everything"