RCA-style Speaker Cables vs Standard Cables

[caxton1476]

I finally got around to hooking up a couple of old, to-all-appearances underwhelming components:
+ Speakers: Realistic Nova 6
+ Receiver: Realistic STA-18 (7 watts!)
+ CD Player: Some Sony thing with 3 buttons - open/close, play/stop, power. That's it. if there was a remote, it's missing. Whatever. It works.

This is a nice-sounding system - at least to me. No, not a lot of oomph, but very...friendly? The CD I played of Bang on a Can's version of Eno's Music for Airports (link) sounded so lovely. As a system to play low-key things while I read, attempt crosswords, drink beer, etc., it's perfect.

I'm looking forward to connecting my Dual 1264 turntable soon. Another unremarkable unit, so in keeping with the vibe.

Anyways, both the speakers and the receiver have jacks for RCA-style cables. Not even sure that's the right term for those, but that's what they look like. There's only one jack per channel, FWIW.

Is there any reason to a) avoid these, or b) prefer them? I assume banana plugs won't work? I have no idea.

I wonder because I've never used that kind of connection before. Also, the teensy-tiny little screw-down terminals on both of these units are kind of a pain. Maybe spade lugs are in my future?

Let me know your thoughts! For the moment, I'm chillin' over there with my low-prestige, low-cost (receiver $20, speakers $30), listening to a little Khruangbin (example).

Cheers,
Caxton1476

 

[BmWr75]

Rca speaker cables were an easy and fool proof way for inexpensive systems to connect speakers. Not worth the cost of switching to the regular binding posts that accept banana or spade terminations.

 

[tom3]

For that wattage I'd think those cables will work and they are sure handy. Pretty small wire size inside usually, not so good for more powerful equipment though.

 

[BluesWalk]

Radio Shack was unique in that they provided those on their speakers as a convenience feature and they used to sell speaker cables which were usually 18 gauge terminated that way for their unsuspecting customers but what's worse they would also sometimes provide only spring clips as an alternative. If your speakers include binding posts, use those instead with at least 16 gauge or larger and everything will be fine.