Here we go…
The series I are fully optimized towards the lower frequency end.
The series II are optimized towards the upper frequency end.
Bob Howard can comment on the upgrade path.
The BULK DCR and Vp changes are what differentiate the designs. If you bi-wire (remove the jumper on your speaker terminals) the series I is for the lowest end, and the series II is for the treble end.
Notice in the graph that the series I and II look bear the same, and they are, but the series I has a lower DCR for higher current we will see in the bass region and it uses a more economical design (fewer wires) that are actually superior for the needs lower in frequency.
The series II is clearly changed in the treble region, and needs a different L and C value. BOTH cables share the same 0.08 uH/foot nominal Inductance. This makes either cable suitable full range and single post speaker and it really depends on what you want to hear more than anything.
There is no way to make ONE cable do BOTH optimally as the analog frequency range is not linear so we need to adjust the curve to either end of the frequency range. The graph below shows the full curve from DC to RF with analog stuck in there. People wanted a “superior” full speed ahead “system” and this is what needs to be done to optimize BOTH ends concurrently with bi-wire systems. Without this technology you aren’t really making a total system, much the same as speaker has a tweeter and a woofer system.
We have two very different ICONOCLAST patented weave designs. The patented weave allows me to ADJUST the polarity to be more fully optimized based on frequency.
The most common bi-wire would be as seen below. This is the most cost effective and frequency optimized set-up, both. The speaker cable is parallel at the amp ends and the separated speaker cross-over divides the frequencies between the two cables based on the cross-over impedance across the bass and mid/treble region.
The picture below is an example. The amplifier used has TWO sets of posts, but they are connected parallel inside the amplifier. The speaker has two sets of posts and with the jumper REMOVED. One set goes to each terminal based on frequency. The upper is series II and the lower is series I.
To use the series II full range is OK on speakers with ONE set of posts. The advantages of bi-wire are a benefit for lower IM distortion when the frequencies are split plus the optimization the series I also provides in very, very low DCR and inductance, both.
The advantage of the series I and II as single cable system will be small, especially on shorter runs. But for bi-wire the cost takes a big jump to get all the advantages and a filly optimized, and better / cheaper system is now provided for even more of an advantage. Everyone benefits and we have more choices.
Best,
Galen Gareis