bare wire or banana plugs

[little wing]

Please forgive me if this issue has been discussed before, I searched posts and couldn't find any information.

Is there any advantage sound wise or any other reason to use banana plugs over bare wire? Other then the fact that banana plugs are generally easier to remove from the back of the amp and speaker.

Thanks a lot!

[Irvrobinson]

There will almost certainly be no audible advantages to banana plugs over bare wire. There might be advantages in terms of connection security and safety.

[fuzz092888]

Like Irv said, security and safety are big. If you're not experienced handling the bare wire, then theres always the odd change a random strand could escape you and touch something metal and you'd be in some trouble. If the speakers are ever knocked over, or if there are kids who could catch a foot on the wire, banana plugs are a must.

Just stuff like that, or if you'll be plugging and unplugging often. Otherwise, like Irv said no audible difference.

[psbfan9]

I'm not sure there is standard answer to this question, but the rule of thumb seems to be plugs out from the receiver, bare wire to the speakers. This varies depending on the situation like Irv and Fuzz have said.

[fuzz092888]

To receiver/amp
For only $1.23 each when QTY 50+ purchased - 1 PAIR OF High-Quality Copper Speaker Banana Plugs - Closed Screw Type [JX-74043] | Banana Plugs

To speakers
For only $1.23 each when QTY 50+ purchased - 1 PAIR OF High-Quality Copper (non-banana) Speaker Plugs - Pin Crimp Type | Banana Plugs

[templemaners]

I'm not sure there is standard answer to this question, but the rule of thumb seems to be plugs out from the receiver, bare wire to the speakers.

Whoever came up with that rule of thumb should have their thumbs removed.

I can't think of a situation where I'd willingly choose to use bare wire over banana plugs. The convience and safety factor of banana plugs are far superior IMO.

[little wing]

templemaners, that's too funny. I am currently using bare wire. I have my speakers bi-wired, so I am not sure how that would work out if I tried to use banana plugs. I went to listen to a new receiver. I plan to upgrade shortly from the Yamaha RX-V2500. I thought I wanted another Yamaha (the RX-A2010) until I heard the Marantz SR 6006. I plan to bi-amp that receiver, so I'll guess I'll go to banana plugs based on every ones advice. Thanks

[fuzz092888]

The general consensus is that bi-wiring is "hocus pocus" while it may provide improvement in sound conceptually, realistically any improvements it provides will not be audible.

[templemaners]

Bi-wiring = Buy Wiring = Waste of time.

And if your passively biamping your speakers (i.e. the speaker's crossover is still connected), you're wasting your time there as well.

[little wing]

Hey,
crossover is not connected. I did remove the straps. And I have to disagree. I did notice tighter bass and improved sound. but that's just me. Was not night and day, but again the sound did improve. I have older infinity speakers, the crescendo 3006, which are very revealing.