1960's McIntosh MA5100 - What Speaker Wire is Best?

[SoCalGal]

I have my Dad's 1960's MA5100 PreAmp and 1980's Klipsch Heresy speakers. Tried using my 14 AWG 2-Conductor speaker wire but seems too thick for the connections which are just screws on both the pre-amp and the speakers. Sorry to be such a neophyte and would really appreciate some helpful instruction re:

1. Should I be using an alternate method like spade tips other than directly wrapping the wire under the screws that are on the pre-amp? I don't have a good connection - just a LOT of static which changes if I fiddle with the wires
2. Is this 14 AWG wire to robust for this preamp & the speakers?

Thanks so very much for any feedback you can give!

 

[darkblue94]

The McIntosh MA5100 is not a preamplifier, it is an integrated amplifier which is a combination of a preamplifier with an amplifier in a single chassis. I recommend using the smaller sized barrier strip spade terminals rather than wrapping stranded wire around the small screws, they are way more secure and much less likely to short out than loose wire. Oh yes, congratulations on your new gear, they are fine pieces and they really play well together.

 

[4-2-7]

I don't have a good connection - just a LOT of static which changes if I fiddle with the wires
2. Is this 14 AWG wire to robust for this preamp & the speakers?

If you bought the wire new from a hardware store lately, what you want to do is make sure it's pure solid copper wire. Lately they are copper coating aluminum, so scrape the wire to see if it is indeed copper.

 

[SoCalGal]

The McIntosh MA5100 is not a preamplifier, it is an integrated amplifier which is a combination of a preamplifier with an amplifier in a single chassis. I recommend using the smaller sized barrier strip spade terminals rather than wrapping stranded wire around the small screws, they are way more secure and much less likely to short out than loose wire. Oh yes, congratulations on your new gear, they are fine pieces and they really play well together.

 

[SoCalGal]

Thanks - I will definitely get the spades!

 

[SoCalGal]

If you bought the wire new from a hardware store lately, what you want to do is make sure it's pure solid copper wire. Lately they are copper coating aluminum, so scrape the wire to see if it is indeed copper.

MediaBridge - bought from AMZ - used it for my Blu-Ray/Receiver connections but you are so right! I am a dunce. The fine print does say copper coated aluminum. Bummed. . .

 

[SoCalGal]

Awesome reply - thanks! The visual is just what I needed. Will do!

 

[damacman]

PM me your address and I'll mail you a set of the correct spade terminals.

 

[4-2-7]

MediaBridge - bought from AMZ - used it for my Blu-Ray/Receiver connections but you are so right! I am a dunce. The fine print does say copper coated aluminum. Bummed. . .

Well at least you know now, but your not having a problem with the blue ray? You also might need to clean the speaker terminals on the back of the MA5100 with deox-it.

 

[unfairlane]

Low quality brass those "spades", not my pick but the mechanical connection/stability means moore than exotic materials here.

Cable; solid core copper, minimum 12awg for Heresys

 

[SoCalGal]

Well at least you know now, but your not having a problem with the blue ray? You also might need to clean the speaker terminals on the back of the MA5100 with deox-it.

More GREAT information! I will get enough real copper 10 AWG for the Heresys and the Onkyo & Oppo. Many thanks!

 

[darkblue94]

10 gauge speaker wire would be a ridiculous case of overkill and be of no benefit in your situation other than to look impressive to those that are easily impressed. Unless your placing the speakers 100 feet away from the amplifier, a quality 14 gauge stranded copper wire will be more than adequate. Bear in mind that the correct spade connectors are smaller than the standard type and that you'll need to fit the wire into the barrel end to crimp and/or solder.