wall plates

[Alexhunter27]

Can anyone tell me where (on the internet) I can find reasonably priced, quality wallplates that can handle 12AWG speaker cable? I have already queried Impact Acoustics and theirs only handle 14AWG. And while you are at it what does everyone think of the keystone inserts?

Thanks

 

[MDS]

http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&Partnumber=261-352

Monoprice.com sells the same thing for a few bucks less. I have those plates as well as the ones with 4 binding posts. Because they have binding posts on both sides you can use bananas on the back if you want so the size of the wire won't matter if you can get a banana plug on it. The hole in the post is large so even bare 12 gauge would work.

Different companies make different parts that are designed to work together. If you buy normal wall plates that take keystone jacks you may not be able to find the style you want. For example, Leviton has their 'QuickPort' system and I think they are great for network jacks. For speaker wire they are not great IMO because they use a tiny little set screw instead of a binding post like the ones from PartsExpress.

Then you have the issue of regular boring looking plates vs decora style and again you may not be able to mix and match if you have a preference for a certain style of jack or plate. (The PE plates are Decora style).

 

[Alexhunter27]

Why don't we like wall plates?

Why are they not good for the system?
does it make an appreciable difference in the sound?
and are there other solutions?

 

[MDS]

Who doesn't like wall plates?

They will not affect the sound if you make a good secure connection and you will if you use decent quality jacks and plates like the ones from PE.

They are mainly for convenience to hide wire. As far as other solutions, sure you can just use a 'pass thru' plate which is nothing more than a wall plate with a giant hole in it through which you pass all wires. That's not very clean looking but will certainly work.

 

[Alexhunter27]

Who doesn't like wall plates?

Just from reading what Ray Adkins said (at least I think it was Ray) in an article on the Audioholics site.

BTW Thanks