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Please critique my quick speaker connection idea

likebike23

likebike23

Addicted Member
I have an idea to make swapping and running multiple amps/speakers/turntables easier and was wondering if it is crazy or if you all might have a better idea.

I want to have the ability to quickly and easily switch between 5 different systems (receiver+turntable) to a pair of speakers. All of my speakers currently have spring type binders.

I had considered making a switch box, but it's just going to be too complex to build and run and I don't have the cash to buy one. I also don't want to permanently alter the speakers.

My solution: make a female ended RCA plug with a ~18" tinned speaker wire pigtail. I would insert the tinned ends into the speakers. To this female end I would connect speaker wire with a male RCA from whatever amp/turntable combination I chose.

The speaker wires from the different systems would be labeled at the RCA end for quick identification. I am not sure how I would organize the wires behind the speakers.

So, what do you think? Crazy idea? Got any suggestions? Thanks.
 
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Your idea will work. I've seen older speakers that utilized RCA plugs for the connections, on all in one systems. The RCA plug would only be good for low power I believe.

Have you considered banana plugs? Can be quick connect as you are looking for but better for higher power applications.
 
Many RCA connectors are rated for 2 / 3 amps, and a max voltage of 300 Vrms. Not sure what cable thickness they use, but most are < 22g

Should be just fine really if you don't have long runs or fiddle with the bass knob +12dB bass. Test.
 
Yes, RCA's will work for sure but think the banana plugs is a better solution.

Will allow higher current and larger wire to be used. No one is using RCA's these days for this application that I am aware of. Not many using 20-22 ga wire for speaker wire either.
 
Thanks for replying guys. I guess I have a few questions now.

Is the RCA current/voltage rating a function of the connector or the wire connected? I was planning on soldering 14 or 16 guage speaker wire to them. My runs are going to be 15 feet max. Amplification would be 120 wpc max. I doubt I've ever used more than 50 wpc, I don't really crank too loud anyway.

Also, if my speakers don't take banana plugs, how would I connect to the speaker? Could I take a female banana plug with a pigtail.

I'd be afraid the clip connectors would come off too easily. Are they secure?
 
Try these.
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https://www.amazon.com/Silverback-C...401368&sr=8-4&keywords=speaker+connectors+pin
 
Current volt rating would be for the connector. If you went the banana plug route, you would make the same kinda pigtails as you were planning for RCA's. Plug/unlplug banana male to female in same way as RCA. They make them in spaced pairs so would work identical to your RCA plan, just better suited imo to the task. Either works, so just pick your poison!
 
likebike23 said:
Thanks for replying guys. I guess I have a few questions now.

Is the RCA current/voltage rating a function of the connector or the wire connected? I was planning on soldering 14 or 16 guage speaker wire to them. My runs are going to be 15 feet max. Amplification would be 120 wpc max. I doubt I've ever used more than 50 wpc, I don't really crank too loud anyway.

Also, if my speakers don't take banana plugs, how would I connect to the speaker? Could I take a female banana plug with a pigtail.

I'd be afraid the clip connectors would come off too easily. Are they secure?
Click to expand...


I say you are using around 2 to 15 watts RMS at "really loud" aka 90dB. In any case, the rca plug will be just fine. Another option is to switch to another type of connector. XLR 4-Pin for aviation comes to mind - one plug, 4 wires! No way to screw it up either because keying :)

What is a typical AC voltage in audio? Is it what the rails swing to? Shall we say 70V? Help? :)



The clip connectors are not fit for your purpose - I would use them because within a week I'd fry my amp or something, when they touch and make electric love.
 
ev13wt said:
Another option is to switch to another type of connector. XLR 4-Pin for aviation comes to mind - one plug, 4 wires!

The clip connectors are not fit for your purpose - I would use them because within a week I'd fry my amp or something, when they touch and make electric love.
Click to expand...

Funny you should mention these points. I was thinking RCA jacks for reasons of less plugs (+ and - on one plug). I also think it with all the wires from each setup, that RCA's would help prevent + to - shorts from occurring.

The only issue is going to be speaker wire guage will have to be thinner than I may want. I'm thinking now that maybe I can run my 12 guage from the speaker to where my amplification is and make a board with panel mount female jacks. That would mean the long run would be 12 guage. I could then run shorter 16 guage wires with a male jack on one end and the other tinned to go into the receivers. IDK still in the planning phase.
 
One housing - 4 cables. The speakers wired are held by a screw, and you can lock the connector.

This is pro stuff I think you can abuse them and they'll hold tight and secure
 
Speakon connectors would be the best solution for your opportunity imo. Would cost more than either of the other solutions is the only downside. Really hard to beat these for speaker wire connections.
 
My idea, As brilliantly stupid and hideously non-cost effective as it is, is to make speaker wire "ends" with interchangable connectors. So say you want to swap some speakers from a pair with spring terminals to one with banana plugs, just "unplug" the Pin connectors or bare tinned wire adapter from the end of the speaker cable and plug in the banana plug adapter. You could have adapters for a bunch of different type connections. Or you could just use bare speaker wire like any sane person who doesn't overthink things would do.
 
Looks like there are aftermarket options for this system (no affliation): https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00L...=Z39EWEQ16MR1AKMW6KXK&dpPl=1&dpID=919nDsOPLYL

Now I'm thinking making a switchboard setup. I mount one female 4 pole Neutrik type connector for each receiver to a board near my racks. I can then run long speaker wires from my speakers to the board with a male Neutrik type connector. I would then plug the speaker wires into my receiver of choice on the board.

This would definitely eliminate the possibility of shorting the wires. It would prevent one receiver's wires from contacting another or themselves (provided I install them properly) ;). I think it would be neater for sure. Finally it would be easier than crawling around grasping at a pile of wires.

Alrighty then, gonna price it all out and think on it a bit more.
 
Order a bunch of these online (direct from China....they're all being made there anyway), wait a week or two to get them.....
Install these on all your speakers.....wired directly to the crossover (a hole saw and a couple feet of 12/14 gauge wire......banana plugs on speaker wires.....
Easy switching back and forth. Plug and unplug at will.

Making my life easier....one day at a time.
 

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