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Posted By: Anonymous Cables - 02/12/02 07:11 PM
Are there any Advantages or Disadvantages of using Spade v/s Banana plug cables for the speakers??


Posted By: BBIBH Re: Cables - 02/13/02 04:44 PM
Acoustically, they are not typically going to be any different from the other. However, this assumes a proper connection to both the speaker cable, and the speaker binding post. Poor contact by a spade or banana plug will cause sound irregularities. A solid connection is a must.

There are various convenience features to each connector. Spades offer greater security of making the connection and leaving it alone. It should be checked periodically to ensure tightness. Banana's offer the ability to make cable connections, and reconnections fairly quickly and with minimum effort. Banana's are typically used by any person who makes changes frequently, ie: audio reviewers, dealers, etc.

The choice is yours!

Regards,

BBIBH
Posted By: Anonymous Re: Cables - 02/14/02 04:08 PM
Thanks!

Do you by any chance know anything about Monster M1.4 S.
How would you rate them... Or the DHLABS T14.


Posted By: BBIBH Re: Cables - 02/14/02 09:28 PM
I have not heard either cable, but do know both are quality manufacturers. The Monster you specified is a biwire cable...if memory serves. The other is offered in uniwire or biwire (had to cheat on that one, and look it up!). They also differ in price, as Monster is almost twice the price. Keep in mind that this does not mean they are better - simply they cost more.

I have used Monster (as well as others) before, and think that unless you have a "true hifi" system, basic speaker cables are all that is really needed. There are two schools of thought on cables:
1- they dramatically impact the performance and sound of the system: buy very good quality,
2- they do not dramatically impact the performance and sound of the system: buy decent gauge from a local electrical supplier.

I believe cables are the finishing touches to an already good (or above) system. You should at minimum purchase 12gauge "bulk generic" cable.

Interconnects are somewhat different, but the arguement is the same.

I make these recommendations without knowing your pieces. It could be wrong if you have hifi pieces.

Regards,

BBIBH
Posted By: Anonymous Re: Cables - 02/15/02 06:46 AM
I have owned DH Labs T-14 speaker cables in biwire configuration and found them very good for the money. I did not listen to them single wire. Only thing I've heard that's better that won't cost you an arm and a leg are Analysis Plus Oval 12's which I'm currently using.


Posted By: Cgilker Re: Cables - 05/09/02 07:09 PM
I have read good reviews of the following basic speaker cables (as I said, read, not used), here are the best prices and web-sites I've found for what I would consider to be "good" cables:

DIY - 12 gauge (spades or plugs) 8 ft pair $40
Straight Wire Rhythm 8 ft pair $48 (spade) www.audioadvisor.com
AudioQuest Type 4 8 ft pair $70 (spade) www.audioadvisor.com
Kimber Kable 4PR 8 ft pair $70 (spade) www.audioadvisor.com
Straight Wire Stage 8 ft pair $84 (spade) www.audioadvisor.com
T-14 Silver Sonic 8 ft pair $90 (spade) www.anchoraud.com/default.htm
T-14 Silver Sonic 8 ft pair $95 (spade) www.audioc.com
T-14 Silver Sonic 8 ft pair $105 (banana) www.audioc.com
AudioQuest Type 4 8 ft pair $90 (banana) www.audioadvisor.com

Posted By: BIG Re: Cables - 05/10/02 05:32 AM
Some good reading about the basic of cables and interconnect.

http://www.stereo411.com/faq/wire.cfm
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