Speaker Wire/Hookup ?

[Gulfstrings]

Tomorrow's the big day for putting my new system together (sans the surrounds) and I'm feeling a bit like a sixty year old virgin. So, a question or two about speaker wire/cables and hookups.

I've never used anything but twisted wire in to any amp or speaker connections before and if I've suffered less than ideal performance, have been to clueless to notice. This time I'm going with all 12 gauge wiring and thinking about using banana plugs but not convinced it will make a difference.

Comments please.

Also, I'm thinking of bi-wiring my A7 fronts. Is this worth the effort?

Thanks much for any input.

Dave

[Keiko]

What cables are you using?

I recommend a quality speaker cable. Signal, AudioQuest, BJC, MIT, etc. with a traditional wiring configuration (not bi-wired). Replace the jumpers with a quality piece of wire and call it a day.

[wutadumsn23]

Bare wire connections aren't that bad, it's all I ever use. Some say that they can oxidize over time if left exposed, but I'm just to lazy, lol. Nanners are a very good option for your connections, also makes it very "quick disconnect" which is nice as well. As for Bi-Wiring, IMHO and the opinion of many others as well, is that it isn't worth the cost of the extra speaker wire. Don't know what your are using for you AVR, but it is only getting power for your speakers from one power source that feeds all the channels, adding another set of speaker wires to the unused Surround Back L/R isn't going to double the power going to them. If you have the wire, give it a shot, but IMHO the results will be less than mind blowing. If you want to bring those 7's to life add an external amp (assuming your AVR has pre-outs) and that will make a much more noticable difference. Good luck with the install and let us know how it turns out. Keep in mind our motto here at Club Polk is "pictures, or it didn't happen" Put some up in the system showcase.

-Jeff

[TNRabbit]

I like to get the most solid connection, so spades are usually (YMMV) best for that. Bananas are good IF you plan on disconnecting often; it makes it much quicker & hassle-free.

Otherwise, a good 12 gauge coppery stranded should work fine for you. If you decide you want to upgrade later, you always can. My personal opinion on biwiring is it's a waste of copper & $$$. Bi AMPING, however, CAN bring you increased fidelity. That's a whole 'nuther ball game, though~

[Gulfstrings]

Appreciate the input. I've got a roll of good 12 guage speaker wire that's going to have to do to start. Adding another $20 for each speaker cable for bananas makes little sense 'cause I may never disconnect them again since this is my last new system. Hey! My wife believes me ...

[tonyb]

" my last new system"... if I had a nickel for everytime I heard that one...

[HappyCamper]

Appreciate the input. I've got a roll of good 12 guage speaker wire that's going to have to do to start. Adding another $20 for each speaker cable for bananas makes little sense 'cause I may never disconnect them again since this is my last new system. Hey! My wife believes me ...

Look to Ebay for your Banana plugs. So good deals on Nakamichi banana plugs.

Just do a search and you should be able to find some reputable sellers.

[dorokusai]

I'd skip the bi-wiring and encourage the use of banana plugs. They're so easy to use and if you move equipment around in the future, hookup is a breeze. The bi-amping suggestion isn't useful at this point, just enjoy what you have and post some pictures.

[Gulfstrings]

Well, I ended up using only the 'twisted' speaker wire but I did "bi-amp" the A7s per the instructions included with the SR707. It all sounds great!

Still waiting for the surrounds (FXi A6s) and can't wait 'till the whole system is ready.

Posted some preliminary pics over on Clubhouse but only my wife's rules about "no dormitory decor" is really exhibited, but hey, that's my world.

Polks A7s ... great speakers, can't wait to hear the completed system.

Dave

[wutadumsn23]

Great news, glad you are happy. I'll check out the pics in a minute. Let us know how it sounds once you get it all up and running.

-Jeff

Oh and a word of advice, stay the hell away from this forum!! LOL, your wallet will never know what hit it.