Hiwayjunkie
New Member
Bought a set of Klipsch speakers and I had banana plugs on my other speakers. These speakers just have the hole for the speaker wire to go thru. Which is better, bare wire or keep the plugs?
Banana Plugs??
- Thread starter Hiwayjunkie
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
krowmagnum
Compulsive speaker freak
I think "better" is relative. The only thing that matters is that the connection is good. Banana plugs are handy but I don't know that they perform better.
1tumbleweed
Kozmik Kowboy
Banana plugs are strictly for convenience. Bare wire to connector is always better - although the circumstances of your setup might mean bananas are an easier choice.
Copa1934
My ears are bleeding
Spades and screw terminals best. Screw terminals and bare wire next best. Soldering ensures greatest surface connection.
Everything else is merely convenient. Period.
Can you "hear" the difference. The vast majority of people can't, blind test. But change gauge of wires, less than say 18ga AND distances more than around 10' and some people can detect better bass with the heavier wire.
Nutshell? Do what's convenient, just don't go cheap.
Drumolator
Super Member
I really like using banana plugs. In fact I need to buy some more. Peace and goodwill.
Source?
1tumbleweed
Kozmik Kowboy
I just bought some more; they do have their place. (Audioquest BFAs - best designed banana ever) Live long and prosper.
Uncle Paul
Super Member
Yup, just got some for the first time. The design and execution offers far more surface contact than other styles. The best nanners ever in my opinion.
http://www.audioquest.com/sure-grip/bfa-silver
Dr. Morbius
I.N.T.E.R.O.C.I.T.O.R.
I've been using this style from PE or Madisound. They accept up to 9 AWG wire. Need to order some more at some point.
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?partnumber=091-354
http://www.madisoundspeakerstore.com/banana-plugs/plugs-bp-sz-single-banana-plug-black/
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?partnumber=091-354
http://www.madisoundspeakerstore.com/banana-plugs/plugs-bp-sz-single-banana-plug-black/
Copa1934
My ears are bleeding
Correct me if I'm wrong, but virtually every (all) banana connectors have screw terminals (set screws) to secure the wire. Would that NOT be the weakest link? And if so, why use it?
Common, don't you think the "banana" argument isn't of much relevance when a screw still holds the wire in place?
I won't argue it's not convenient, it is. I certainly won't claim (by my own hearing) that banana is superior or the opposite. Personally, I use them with the speakers I own that have banana connectors. The rest are quick terminals or screw terminals.
Dr. Morbius
I.N.T.E.R.O.C.I.T.O.R.
Opinions vs. Facts
Is it factual data? Your opinion? Or is it internet lore to be taken with a grain of salt?
I guessing Urizen is probably wanting to know the source for this blind test.
Is it factual data? Your opinion? Or is it internet lore to be taken with a grain of salt?
slpcorner
AudioPhan - On the Cheap
I prefer these Neutriks:
hey i was wondering on these... how do you tell which side is + or - ?
markshan
Sir Thrift a Lot
Except that it is nearly impossible to accidentally short out a standard paired banana plug. If you swap speakers with any regularity and value your amps this is a great feature.
Copa1934
My ears are bleeding
Look, I'd like to dig up the specific issues (assuming I had the time), but yes published reviews and NOT my personal opinion. Do you honestly think that if I were a hard nut about terminals I'd mess with banana connectors? I'm even planning on converting some of my speakers to banana, but keeping the original terminal plates should I part with the speakers (and the future owner wants them).
Most people go for the obvious, those great ads that say replace your wires and there will be miracles. Anyone with any real time in this knows that the weakest link in the chain will dictate the final output. Wires or connectors, in and of themselves, are NOT a solution.
But I'm NOT one to argue the convenience.
Copa1934
My ears are bleeding
Geez, I didn't even catch that. Mine are color coded for each pin. I don't care for the separate pins, but some terminals aren't spaced the same (though I believe most are).
markshan
Sir Thrift a Lot
That is why I like the ProCo Bananas. The wires attach externally so you can see the wire color attached to each side.
Copa1934
My ears are bleeding
Lots of people use wires that are not marked or color coded so that would present a problem for them. But what you say otherwise makes total sense.That is why I like the ProCo Bananas. The wires attach externally so you can see the wire color attached to each side.
