The biggest advantage I see to banana plugs is ease of use when doing a lot of swapping out, eh ? So, if the connections are to be left in tact, does one get a better wire to terminal connection just using the screw down attachment on the binding post, onto the bare wire ?
Current travels on the surface of the wire, which is one of the reasons we use braided wire.. (more surface area).. It would appear to make more contact with the larger screws used in the binding posts, not to mention more secure?
If you were to solder, it would have to be a good job (read: clean, right temp, etc), or you end up with voided areas of non-contact.. Areas you probably wouldn't know about ?
So, solder (spade or banana), non-soldered spade banana, or binding post provided set-screws ?
PS: Are Radio Shack plugs and spades good nuff ?
Hmmmmmm....
Here we go again.
Hi MIKEY! Did you try starting here?
http://www.axiomaudio.com/boards/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=tech&Number=1541&page=5&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=0&fpart=
One of several strings about this subject.
Since I don't swap speakers around a lot, this is not a big issue for me - but I just do a nice tight twist on the bare wire, wrap it around the post, and screw down the nut nice and tight on it. The M60s even came with a little plastic wrench for that. Works great - and I can't imagine a better connection (short of actually soldering the speaker wire to the post - er...DON"T DO THAT!!!!)
Randyman
Randyman and i had a big discussion on soldering not long ago. Do a quick search in the forums for 'soldering' and it should pop up.
It can be a pain but i preferred the fast swap over the bare wire.
Simply put, ANY method that connects wire to speaker will do.
As for plugs, just don't buy anything made out of crappy conducting material. That being said, most plugs are USUALLY made from decent conducting material.Often a nickel steel alloy, gold plated, silver plated, copper, etc. I have yet to see an adverised plug that said "super non-conducting metal for speaker hook up". But if you come across some, let me know.
I forgot all about that wrench.
I will have to go give it a try and make sure my connections are 'gas tight' eh?
haha
chesseroo... you are Right!
You sure don't want any stray leakage from loose connections. Errant electron sound gas can be quite dangerous if allowed to accumulate in a area that is not well ventilated! Imagine the effect on your ears if it managed to migrate undisturbed in mass over to your subwoofer speaker terminals and then connected all at once! WOW! Could be a serious issue!
Stay safe! Tighten those nuts! And ventilate properly!
Randyman
Hahaha.. Thanks guys.. Both for the info and the laughs, eh..
I figured as much, and, was too lazy to go back thru all the past posts in search of the info.. haha.. I can be such a bum from time to time..
As for tightening those nuts ?? Well, nuff said, eh? haha
Wow....I think you need to get out more often!!!!
Get out more often?
Not a bad idea. I can move my sound system out onto the deck, but it simply has to come in once the frost starts.
BBIBH
Get out more often???
Why just yesterday, I spent all afternoon at the beach, boogie boarding, swimming, taking in some sun and watching the "veiws".
Is that enough?? Or do I need to get out even MORE often??? (heh heh)
Randyman
....and yet you find time to provide quality advice!
Not to mention GOOD electrical/electronic advice to be sure!!
Thanks BBIBH!
Coming from you, I consider that a real compliment.
I have read MANY of your posts, and you have consistantly offered sensible and sane advice (at least to me) - especially about those high end speaker cables!! (heh heh!)
Randyman
ahhh...stop, I am blushing!!!!
This reminds me of the well used (over used?) line of :
"Great minds think alike"....or was it "fools seldom differ"????
I guess the rest of the board can decide!!!!