Banana Plug HELP!!!!!

[Npeart]

I bought banana plugs from Monoprice, as many here suggested. They are two-piece plugs, but there are no screws on the sides for fastening. So. . .when I slide the wire through the first piece (please see attached photo) and then screw it in, the wire just slides right out the back. I see no way to affix the wire securely in the plug.

I did watch this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GK5H5UDsxwo and the screw on the side he uses to fasten the plug to the wire are not evident?????

I have seen other examples where the speaker wire is bent down over the first piece and then secured. . . likes this http://www.speakerrepair.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=32-076-10&Category_Code=dual_plugs

I have also seen them assembled like this http://bluejeanscable.com/store/speaker/Speaker_cable_termination.pdf

Will either method work? Kinda confused. . .

Thanks.

Happy Father's Day to all the proud dad's out there!

 

[FNG212]

Follow that PDF Speaker Termination doc from Blue Jean. Thats how I did all of mine and it worked very well. I wouldn't recommend thicker than 12ga wire, 12 is probably pushing it. I have a few cords that are 10ga or 8ga that were given to me with a set of speakers and they are way too thick to secure with banana plugs.

Just unscrew the base, thread it through, fold the strands over the threads, then resecure the tip. Give it a small tug to verify its holding.

 

[Npeart]

Follow that PDF Speaker Termination doc from Blue Jean. Thats how I did all of mine and it worked very well. I wouldn't recommend thicker than 12ga wire, 12 is probably pushing it. I have a few cords that are 10ga or 8ga that were given to me with a set of speakers and they are way too thick to secure with banana plugs.

Just unscrew the base, thread it through, fold the strands over the threads, then resecure the tip. Give it a small tug to verify its holding.

I am using 14g and it's impossible to get these on. In the Bluejeans photo there is section that is unthreaded to bend the wires down over. My plugs are threaded from top to bottom, so when I bend the wires down over the screw it then becomes too tight to assemble.

Can someone provide a link to a place I can buy these already assembled? This is way too much work.

 

[moreira85]

i have the same ones you have. I have them set up the same way the blue jeans pdf shows. I found the trick is to cut the wire evenly and neatly and to spread each frayed wire all the way around the first plug so it is evenly spaced all the way around. That makes it easier to screw the second piece over it.

 

[Npeart]

i have the same ones you have. I have them set up the same way the blue jeans pdf shows. I found the trick is to cut the wire evenly and neatly and to spread each frayed wire all the way around the first plug so it is evenly spaced all the way around. That makes it easier to screw the second piece over it.

How about these?

http://www.kongcable.com/products/13190.html

http://www.diguniverse.com/COMPUTER/AUDIO---VIDEO---OUTPUT-DEVICES/SY1776890.html

http://www.ramelectronics.net/audio-video/audio-cables/speaker-cables/custom-terminated-14-awg-speaker-cable-with-banana-connectors/prod14ZIPBB.html

 

[Adam]

Here is a link to the installation manual from Monoprice. It shows a different plug, but I believe that the approach would be the same.

The open screw version that you bought also allows you to put wire in through the side of the plug (the open hole on the sides) and then screw in the back piece to tighten down on the wire. You could try that if your wire is too thick to successfully connect them by running the wire through the back end of the plugs.

 

[Npeart]

Here is a link to the installation manual from Monoprice. It shows a different plug, but I believe that the approach would be the same.

The open screw version that you bought also allows you to put wire in through the side of the plug (the open hole on the sides) and then screw in the back piece to tighten down on the wire. You could try that if your wire is too thick to successfully connect them by running the wire through the back end of the plugs.

The problem is the speaker wire touchs the screw because there entire part of the screw is threaded. Any thoughts on the links I posted for terminated speaker cables. I don't want to have to fight with this thing.

I did notice I can go in through the side hole of the banana plug, but then I'd have to go bare wire for my receiver connection? I'd rather have the convenience of terminated cables I just plug in.

 

[griffinconst]

Mr. Peart
Funny meeting you here again. Banana plug trouble eh?
When you bend the wire over the threads are you spreading it around evenly and thinly as suggested by moreira85?
If you still can't get the thead started that way, install the wire in the side hole. Be sure to stick little enough of it in so you don't have wire sticking out the other side after you screw in the threaded end. You could also cut off any wire sticking out with dikes. If you can see it, that's ok.
This is actually the best way to use that model of plug as it leaves the rear hole open to accept another banana plug for biwiring.
If that doesn't solve your problem, call monoprice. There customer service is second to none. They may have a tech that can help you.
If your ready to bail on this whole thing or really want the wires to come in the back of the plug, just reorder the screw down type. I'd hate to see you waste bucks on those other wires you mentioned.
By the way, did you buy a receiver? How are those 20's treating you?

 

[griffinconst]

I did notice I can go in through the side hole of the banana plug, but then I'd have to go bare wire for my receiver connection? [/QUOTE]

Why is that?

 

[Adam]

I don't have thoughts on the pre-terminated ones, but I'm sure they would work fine. I'll make another suggestion on the gear that you have to try to get you up and running today.

With the plugs that you have, I understand that it's difficult to screw them together if you fold the speaker wire over the threads. moreira85 mentioned one way to make it work, but here's another way that might work for you. Insert the speaker wire through the base piece (like you've been doing), strip the wire if you haven't already - but strip maybe half an inch off the tip. Then, fold the exposed copper wire over onto itself to form a bundle at the top (don't fold it over the threaded base piece, just fold it over itself). The point of this is to get a bundle of copper that you are going to sandwich in between the base piece and the tip when you screw the tip on. Now, screw the tip on. You want enough exposed wire so that it is pushed up tight against the inside of the tip after it is screwed on.

Does that make sense? I'm pretty sure that's how I did mine years ago when I put them on.

 

[griffinconst]

I don't have thoughts on the pre-terminated ones, but I'm sure they would work fine. I'll make another suggestion on the gear that you have to try to get you up and running today.

With the plugs that you have, I understand that it's difficult to screw them together if you fold the speaker wire over the threads. moreira85 mentioned one way to make it work, but here's another way that might work for you. Insert the speaker wire through the base piece (like you've been doing), strip the wire if you haven't already - but strip maybe half an inch off the tip. Then, fold the exposed copper wire over onto itself to form a bundle at the top (don't fold it over the threaded base piece, just fold it over itself). The point of this is to get a bundle of copper that you are going to sandwich in between the base piece and the tip when you screw the tip on. Now, screw the tip on. You want enough exposed wire so that it is pushed up tight against the inside of the tip after it is screwed on.

Does that make sense? I'm pretty sure that's how I did mine years ago when I put them on.

Hey...thats a good idea. Put your wire threw then bend it on the end to make a sort of ball so it won't go back thru that part of the plug, then screw the top part on thus squeezing the ball of wire down making the connection.
Adam, like I said yesterday, you the dog!

 

[Highbar]

The banana plugs you have are the same ones I haven. They are made for you to put the wire through the hole in the side and then screw down the back to secure it. Mine work perfect this way with no problems.

Why do you say that you would still need to have bare wire at the receiver end? I have banana's on mine and have plenty of space for everything to fit.

I can take a few pics if you need me to but it wont be until late tonight.

 

[Npeart]

Mr. Peart
Funny meeting you here again. Banana plug trouble eh?
When you bend the wire over the threads are you spreading it around evenly and thinly as suggested by moreira85?
If you still can't get the thead started that way, install the wire in the side hole. Be sure to stick little enough of it in so you don't have wire sticking out the other side after you screw in the threaded end. You could also cut off any wire sticking out with dikes. If you can see it, that's ok.
This is actually the best way to use that model of plug as it leaves the rear hole open to accept another banana plug for biwiring.
If that doesn't solve your problem, call monoprice. There customer service is second to none. They may have a tech that can help you.
If your ready to bail on this whole thing or really want the wires to come in the back of the plug, just reorder the screw down type. I'd hate to see you waste bucks on those other wires you mentioned.
By the way, did you buy a receiver? How are those 20's treating you?

Hey, Professor Griff!

My 20's are great except I can't get them hooked up, owing to this damn banana plug issue.

I did get a receiver. I got an Onkyo 706. Just came yesterday from One Call.

Ok, I've put the speaker wire and plugs down for awhile. I could feel my blood pressure rising, so I thought it best to get away from it for awhile. I'll try the other method you suggest later.

Here is a picture of my set up thus far:



And as you can see, Tiger is quite pleased with his drive. . .

 

[Adam]

That's a nice looking system! Very clean.

 

[griffinconst]

Hey, Professor Griff!

My 20's are great except I can't get them hooked up, owing to this damn banana plug issue.

I did get a receiver. I got an Onkyo 706. Just came yesterday from One Call.

Ok, I've put the speaker wire and plugs down for awhile. I could feel my blood pressure rising, so I thought it best to get away from it for awhile. I'll try the other method you suggest later.

Here is a picture of my set up thus far:



And as you can see, Tiger is quite pleased with his drive. . .

Thanks for the vote of confidence with the professor comment.
I know what I know, which is faily limited, but learn more everyday from my Audioholic bretheren.
Now to the important stuff, let's get that setup cookin.

 

[Npeart]

Thanks for the vote of confidence with the professor comment.
I know what I know, which is faily limited, but learn more everyday from my Audioholic bretheren.
Now to the important stuff, let's get that setup cookin.

Ok, got the speakers hooked up to the receiver, but they seem to be lacking power. I have to turn the volume up pretty high to get them rockin. Ummm. . .would an unstable speaker connection cause low volume or am I whistling past the graveyard here? I have not set Audessey yet and I'm not sure I should considering I'm only in two channel at the moment. Thoughts on that?

I'm going to hook up the Cablebox and TV to the receiver next via HDMI cables.

Idle though. . . I did hear the 20's hooked up to a Cambridge Audio amp and they were really loud. It didn't take a lot of volume to get them crankin. Why are they not that loud here at home?

***EDIT*** and now there is no sound coming from the front right speaker. . . gotta disconnect and reconnect. UGH!

 

[griffinconst]

Make sure your connections are + to + and - to -. Also check that no wires are touching each other.
You said you just got your 706. Is it set to stereo and the fronts on full range or large?
I have to turn my 805 up to -10 or -5 to really start rockin loud.

 

[Npeart]

Make sure your connections are + to + and - to -. Also check that no wires are touching each other.
You said you just got your 706. Is it set to stereo and the fronts on full range or large?
I have to turn my 805 up to -10 or -5 to really start rockin loud.

Yes, I matched the + and - properly. No wires are touching.

I have not yet set the speakers up. Should I run the Audessey set up even though I am only in two channel presently?

***EDIT*** Ok, got both speakers working. Sounds great in Pure Audio. I need to set the speakers through the receiver still. Once I do that everything should sound better. I hope. . .

 

[griffinconst]

I don't know where your seating is but it looks like you have your 20's toed in pretty far. Try playing around with speaker placement. Try closer or further from the back wall. Also try pointing them right at you, then try over your shoulders, then almost staight ahead. One of those will sound best...more open, more or tighter bass, and better sound stage & separation.
Those are excellent speakers (I like them anyway) and you can get them to sound good.
I don't think there is much for Audessey to do with 2.0 but I suppose it couldn't hurt. You can always over ride it if it makes things worse.
I don't remember, are you planning on getting a sub?

 

[Npeart]

I don't know where your seating is but it looks like you have your 20's toed in pretty far. Try playing around with speaker placement. Try closer or further from the back wall. Also try pointing them right at you, then try over your shoulders, then almost staight ahead. One of those will sound best...more open, more or tighter bass, and better sound stage & separation.
Those are excellent speakers (I like them anyway) and you can get them to sound good.
I don't think there is much for Audessey to do with 2.0 but I suppose it couldn't hurt. You can always over ride it if it makes things worse.
I don't remember, are you planning on getting a sub?

Well, I live in a one bedroom apartment, so a sub is questionable. It's possible, but it'll be the last piece. I'm going to look at a center channel next.

I must say I am very disappointed in the sound quality of AM radio (yes, I hooked up the AM antenna.) It's not the receiver, though. I live in a 6 story apartment building that was built with steel and three feet of cinder block seperate each apartment, so reception is hosed. FM sounds fine, although some stations are bringing in some static.

Yes, I have been messing with speaker placement. I had just moved them into position when I took the picture, so they will not remain in that position. I also have not yet put the carpet spikes on or filled the stands with sand. Gonna hook up the TV and cablebox via HDMI before I leave for work tonight. I didn't want to mess with the TV while the US Open was on