There is one VERY important point when doing the 'one cable, two cables' thing...
Humans have remarkably different experiences of exactly the same sound when it it at surprisingly little different volume. You may not even consciously notice a volume difference, but even as little as .5db (or less!) can change your perception of a sound.
Two cables into two channels gives you an increase in gain, unless you are clinical in making sure the final output compares IDENTICALLY to the 'one cable, one channel' attempt. And sadly, few mixer's output meters provide that resolution.
As the trend towards louder and louder CD's over the last few years have shown us, even the record companies are aware of the 'louder just sounds better' factor. When you mix, master, or just gain stage your rigs, you have to be VERY aware of this phenomenon.
[This message has been edited by Diki (edited 01-31-2008).]
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An arranger is just a tool. What matters is what you build with it..!