Banana Plugs? Which Ones?

[janmike]

There are more banana plugs out there than you could shake a stick at. I am going to be using 12 gu wire. What should I look for and be aware of when deciding what plugs to purchase? Should I only go with 24K?
Thanks

[bknauss]

Someone might disagree, but I'd suggest getting something with the best contact between the wire and the little screws. Most of the screws are flat and nicely "mash" the strands, but Monster banana plugs, at least the one line I've used before, is a spike. How does a spike make a tight contact to lots of strands of wire? Beats me! Stupid wires always slipped out with a slight tug.

Also, depending upon equipment, some of the banana inputs are not the "standard" distance between positive and negative, so you can't use those nice dual plugs. You'd then have to choose the crimp style single ones, or something of that sort.

Parts Express generally has some decent ones for cheap.

[amulford]

I bought some of these. Gold plated, inexspensive, and easy to use. Two screw each are rounded and mash nicely, holds the wire quite well. The plastic covers are okay and cover well.

Cables to Go speaker banana plugs (http://www.cablestogo.com/product.asp?cat%5Fid=412&sku=29785)

[Codey]

I bought some of these. Gold plated, inexspensive, and easy to use. Two screw each are rounded and mash nicely, holds the wire quite well. The plastic covers are okay and cover well.

I got some of those and hate them. The tip spins independently from the body resulting in poor contact. One of my surrounds kept cutting out, and sure enough it was that stupid plug. But that's just my experience with them.

I haven't seen them in person, but they're cheap, they lock, and they look like they're decent quality. I've placed an order but I won't be able to tell how they for awhile as they're coming from Hong Kong.

http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=32838&item=5735520823&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

[janmike]

I went to Radio Shack and they wanted $13.00 for 2. I'm looking for 28 and I want fairly good ones. I seen some (qty-28) on ebay for $45 US, but didn't know if they were any good.

Just trying to get connected with some of the new gear and additional RTi'38's coming on Monday.

ebay Banana Plugs (http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=32838&item=5736054649&rd=1)

[Codey]

Do you really need 28? I'm just going to use my plugs on the receiver and amp side, then just tin the bare wire and use that for the speaker side. Every extra connection is a possible failure point.

[janmike]

No I don't need 28. I thought it might be easier to connect all 7 speakers down the road. I wish I had some now as I'm going through that hookup/testing/moving things around stage. If I had them all connected, relocation would be that much easier. But, potential failure points is key. I would rather spend a little more $ to get a secure connection if possible. The ones for $1.29 at Radio Shack didn't impress me at all/ Maybe I'm just being lazy.

[Codey]

You can do all your hook up and testing with the bare wire, then just install the plugs when they show up in the mail.

[janmike]

That's what I have been doing. I'm just having a problem with the Line Level connection on the RTi100's, so I have had the wire on & off several times. The banana plug thing was something when everything arrives.

[Willow]

I use thecompression style and find they work well with lots of contact...I just have to add some shrink tube to make them perrty...

[Whadyasay]

Look up this guy's auctions on ebay. I got the set of 28. They are screw-together, compression type and they are a perfect fit for 12 GA wire.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=5728885883&ssPageName=STRK:MEWN:IT

[OnTheSpot]

Does anyone know anything about these Banana Plugs?

2 red 2 black , 4 for $5.35

parts express (http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Partnumber=091-1260)

[Whadyasay]

Those should work fine for anything.

[Tropic-Al]

I purchased a real nice looking set of bananas @ Orange County Speaker-all metal and a good fit. Did I mention they were REALLY good looking?http://www.speakerrepair.com

Parts Express is also fantastic!! Customer service is second to none!http://www.partsexpress.com :p

[Mjr7531]

Originally posted by Tropic-Al

Parts Express is also fantastic!! Customer service is second to none!http://www.partsexpress.com :p
Maybe second to Polk! :D

[Iamgod]

Originally posted by OnTheSpot
Does anyone know anything about these Banana Plugs?

2 red 2 black , 4 for $5.35

parts express (http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Partnumber=091-1260)

i have some like that works very good.