Speaker cable

[Polk & H/K]

What is the best way to go with speaker cable? Gauge, terminate bananas or spades?

[engtaz]

I like 14 gauge and solder type (does not need to be soldered) banana connectors from monoprice.com not expensive

[read-alot]

What is the best way to go with speaker cable? Gauge, terminate bananas or spades?

Depends on how long your runs are and what your amp and speakers accept as connections.

[evan benlian]

will banana connectors change the quality of sound better than a direct hookup from the wire to the speakers ?

Thanks .

[bionicmushroom]

Correct me if I am wrong but I don't believe it will affect the overall quality of sound. It will help reduce corrosion of the wires over time and help with a easier, better looking connection. And welcome to the forums!

[crossroads]

Hi, I tin the bare wire with 4% silver solder then hook them up and clean with de-oxid every 6 months. Have used bananas and spades but never like them much.

[Gaara]

Actually gold is a worse conductor then copper, so technically speaking bare wire should sound better then bananas or spades. I have never heard of anyone actually perceiving or measuring a difference though. The mushroom man is right, it will prevent the oxidation that occurs with bare, makes it easier to unhook and rehook, and looks nicer.

Tinning the wire would work to, I have never done it because I apparently can't use a soldering iron properly...and I always somehow burn myself.

As for Bananas vs spades, some people prefer spades because the binding post can be tightened down and they offer more surface area then bananas. Bananas are easier to use and you never have to worry about over tightening, and some lock into place for a tight connection. I

Jared

[engtaz]

And the shorter the wire the less loss. LOL

[danger boy]

14 guage with bananas or buy a pre made speaker cable with the connectors you want on the ends.

this is what i use http://www.cobaltcable.com/speaker-cable-pair.htm
it's 10 guage cables..

[read-alot]

I like these that you can screw on what ever your little heart desires for connections.

http://www.mitcables.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22&Itemid=28