Modifying Speaker Connections at Amp

[peaceoflight]

Hi,

I'm running 14 AWG wire from the vintage integrated amp (circa 1983) to the speakers. At the amp it's the kind of connection where the wire enters thru a slot in a plastic 'bezel' and then a plastic cap screws down on it to make the connection.

I'm sure the 14 AWG is thicker than originally intended and it's both difficult to insert and the plastic screw downs don't want to hold on as tight.

I'm sure I've seen blade type connectors with a right angled tab to solder to or a banana plug.

I need to make sure the piece of the blade connector right after the blade is small enough to fit in that slot in the plastic bezel, allowing the plastic cap to screw down completely on the blade.

Does anyone have any recommendations? I'm not sure what this is called.

Thanks.

Tom

 

[petehall347]

trim some strands back so it fits .. unless of course you are using solid wire .

 

[peaceoflight]

Thanks, I hadn't thought of that. This may be splitting hairs, but if there was any potential benefit to using a thicker wire to begin with, wouldn't this theoretically negate that benefit at the connector? Of course I've no idea what kind of connection or wire is on the other side of the connector inside the amp.

 

[F1nut]

Upgrade the binding posts.

 

[valvenator]

Thanks, I hadn't thought of that. This may be splitting hairs, but if there was any potential benefit to using a thicker wire to begin with, wouldn't this theoretically negate that benefit at the connector? Of course I've no idea what kind of connection or wire is on the other side of the connector inside the amp.

...and of course you have no idea what kind of wire is on the other side of the connector inside the speaker either
Most likely quite thin. You'll be adding maybe another 3/4 inch of thin wire to the equation.
You think that will make a difference? I doubt it, well actually I don't, it's probably none.

 

[petehall347]

look at how thick fuse wire is .

 

[boza]

I would just remove some strands from the center of your cable so it is thin enough to fit your binding post.
It will make no difference to the cable and will give you a tight connection till you can come up with a solution or change your binding post to take spade's or banana plugs.

 

[whoaru99]

Thanks, I hadn't thought of that. This may be splitting hairs, but if there was any potential benefit to using a thicker wire to begin with, wouldn't this theoretically negate that benefit at the connector? Of course I've no idea what kind of connection or wire is on the other side of the connector inside the amp.

Everything matters; theoretically.

The important part is ascertaining where theories and measurements transition from paper and instruments to audibility.

 

[Bob]

and to prevent loose threads from shorting your amp's output stage and
testing the robustness of the protection circuits, solder the ends to
add stiffness. the early speaker cables did this.

 

[WaynerN]

Crimp or solder (and insulate) some lighter gauge wire to the end of the 14awg.

 

[peaceoflight]

Much good advice here. Thank you very much!

Agreed. The chance of any audible difference by removing a few strands of wire is zero.

Thanks for keeping me 'grounded'.

Tom