Bananas vs. Bare Wire

[SMM]

I'm wondering if the SCREW-ON BANANA SPEAKER CONNECTORs are worth the effort (time, money) vs. using bare wire on the speaker and receiver sides. I've read a bunch of posts on the topic...some say it makes little/no difference .... other stating that the plugs are critically important. I've also read a few stating that if you go bare, solder the ends. Is this standard solder as in the type used for copper pipe fittings or some special type? Thks for any advise!

 

[Sheep]

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/search.php?searchid=560756

SheepStar

 

[jonnythan]

Should make no difference in sound quality. Certainly won't improve it.

Makes it a hell of a lot easier to plug in though, especially when you have a dozen terminations at the back of a receiver

 

[mtrycrafts]

I'm wondering if the SCREW-ON BANANA SPEAKER CONNECTORs are worth the effort (time, money) vs. using bare wire on the speaker and receiver sides. I've read a bunch of posts on the topic...some say it makes little/no difference .... other stating that the plugs are critically important. I've also read a few stating that if you go bare, solder the ends. Is this standard solder as in the type used for copper pipe fittings or some special type? Thks for any advise!

Copper pipe solder should do; make sure to use resin on the wire first though.

These are convenience items but not expensive, so it would be worth it.

 

[Nick250]

Like Jonnythan said, they make it easier to plug and unplug your speaker wires, other than that it makes no difference. I tend to use them on the back of the receiver because it's so crowded there. On the speakers, I usually don't bother.

 

[12outof13]

Advantages of Banana Connectors

I'm wondering if the SCREW-ON BANANA SPEAKER CONNECTORs are worth the effort (time, money) vs. using bare wire on the speaker and receiver sides. I've read a bunch of posts on the topic...some say it makes little/no difference .... other stating that the plugs are critically important. I've also read a few stating that if you go bare, solder the ends. Is this standard solder as in the type used for copper pipe fittings or some special type? Thks for any advise!

Initially the banana connectors will not make a sonic difference, but bare copper leads will oxidize in a relatively short period of time. If you solder the cable leads to gold plated banana plugs then you never have to worry about oxidation. They make it very simple to attach/remove the cable from both the speaker and amplifier. I would recommend that you get the locking type banana plugs that expand the pins to make a very tight connection. Once in place you will never have to worry about a bad connection between the amps and speakers.

 

[Sheep]

If your speakers accept spade lugs, they are another connection that is solid. I am trying to find non crimp ones for a decent price. It is proving difficult.

SheepStar