Speaker Wire + Banana Plugs - Are these any good?

cowboydude99
cowboydude99 Posts: 97
edited February 2014 in Speakers
Hi there,
I got some great info recently from you guys here regarding a new receiver. I thought I'd open a new thread regarding banana plugs & speaker wire.

I'm looking at these:
BJC Twelve White (5000UE) (White jacket, 12 AWG)

http://www.amazon.com/Deadbolt-Banana-12-pair-Sewell-Direct/dp/B006U3O566/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1392400958&sr=8-1&keywords=deadbolt+banana+plug

Here is what I'm wiring:

3 front speakers and two rear/side.

The rear/sides are running in-wall. I am going to wire it in this way:
1. From receiver to wall plate using banana plugs.
2. Other side of the wall plate to the speaker wall plate (2 post) using banana plugs.
3. From the other side of the speaker wall plate to the posts on the speaker using banana plugs, or bare wire.

For the front 3, they will not be in-wall, so I'll probably use banana plugs for those too.

Which banana plugs would you recommend, and which speaker wire for the inwall?
Post edited by cowboydude99 on
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Comments

  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited February 2014
    Why not just have BJC do the termination work since they would be sending them to you in the first place. One stop shopping works for me.
    Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2
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  • SCompRacer
    SCompRacer Posts: 8,511
    edited February 2014
    I used a CL3 rated 12 gauge pair of in wall speaker cables to meet code. With the extra wire I made cables from wall to amp/avr. IIRC I went to Radio Shack for the wall plates and banana ends. Any reviews on the ones you listed? Sometimes that is the best source for product info.

    Duh, BJC has in wall cable, the stuff you mentioned.

    218_28_big.jpg
    Salk SoundScape 8's * Audio Research Reference 3 * Bottlehead Eros Phono * Park's Audio Budgie SUT * Krell KSA-250 * Harmonic Technology Pro 9+ * Signature Series Sonore Music Server w/Deux PS * Roon * Gustard R26 DAC / Singxer SU-6 DDC * Heavy Plinth Lenco L75 Idler Drive * AA MG-1 Linear Air Bearing Arm * AT33PTG/II & Denon 103R * Richard Gray 600S * NHT B-12d subs * GIK Acoustic Treatments * Sennheiser HD650 *
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  • leftwinger57
    leftwinger57 Posts: 2,917
    edited February 2014
    I think the ones I used were from Lowes. Most places have them but do not take very low gu wire or are the compression type which is one sloppy way of doing it. I use the double set screw type and they have to be torqued down or else the cover barrel will not fit. SCR nice plate work and good use of the ever famous tyraps. The problem w/ factory ends is that you are limited to that length and if you change your set up or move and are short then you've wasted a factory job that cost more in the long run. I also got some Belden White 10gu from BJC unterminated and it's a tough wire to work w/ but great price.
    2chl- Adcom GFA- 555-Onkyo P-3150v pre/amp- JVC-QL-A200 tt- Denon 1940 ci cdp- Adcom GFS-6 -Modded '87 SDA 2Bs - Dynamat Ext.- BH-5- X-Overs VR-3, RDO-194 tweeters, Larry's Rings, Speakon/Neutrik I/C- Cherry stain tops Advent Maestros,Ohm model E

    H/T- Toshiba au40" flat- Yamaha RX- V665 avr- YSD-11 Dock- I-Pod- Klipsch #400HD Speaker set-

    Bdrm- Nikko 6065 receiver- JBL -G-200s--Pioneer 305 headphones--Sony CE375-5 disc
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  • pitdogg2
    pitdogg2 Posts: 25,661
    edited February 2014
    http://www.amazon.com/Sewell-Harpoon-Locking-Banana-Plugs/dp/B00793LVTU/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1392404515&sr=1-1&keywords=harpoon+banana+plugs


    I've used the type you listed I feel you get better contact with something like this. They have two set screws and you may need to either really tighten down or spread out the wire a little to get screw all the way down, but they will have better wire contact.
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  • cowboydude99
    cowboydude99 Posts: 97
    edited February 2014
    SCompRacer wrote: »
    I used a CL3 rated 12 gauge pair of in wall speaker cables to meet code. With the extra wire I made cables from wall to amp/avr. IIRC I went to Radio Shack for the wall plates and banana ends. Any reviews on the ones you listed? Sometimes that is the best source for product info.

    Duh, BJC has in wall cable, the stuff you mentioned.

    218_28_big.jpg

    I already have the plates and the banana plugs.

    I was just wondering if any old banana plug would do fine?

    I like the BJC. They have a few different options, 2 and 4 conductor. I'm not sure if I need 4 conductor or not.
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  • pitdogg2
    pitdogg2 Posts: 25,661
    edited February 2014
    cowboydude99 wrote: »
    I was just wondering if any old banana plug would do fine?

    well yes and no.. We all have our favorite and some are better made than others. Better metal, better coatings and better connections.
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  • cowboydude99
    cowboydude99 Posts: 97
    edited February 2014
    That is what I figured. What is a good option for me? I'll probably buy from BJC. Either the Twelve White or the 4S11.
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  • PSOVLSK
    PSOVLSK Posts: 5,220
    edited February 2014
    I have some Monster plugs that look like the ones you linked that I really like. I obviously can't comment on the quality of the ones you're looking at, but I do like the design. Price is right too.
    Things work out best for those who make the best of the way things work out.-John Wooden
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  • cowboydude99
    cowboydude99 Posts: 97
    edited February 2014
    There are so many options...

    http://www.speakerrepair.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=locking
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  • pitdogg2
    pitdogg2 Posts: 25,661
    edited February 2014
    Cowboy your just listing the same plug with a different silk screened name on it....
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  • leftwinger57
    leftwinger57 Posts: 2,917
    edited February 2014
    Pitdogg those are close to the ones I used. Like I said double set screw, torque them down. I just don't have those lateral bars going across mine. The ones the op showed before were even better than the ones I was thinking of. His can take a 10gu and no wire is showing and you get a boatload for the price.
    2chl- Adcom GFA- 555-Onkyo P-3150v pre/amp- JVC-QL-A200 tt- Denon 1940 ci cdp- Adcom GFS-6 -Modded '87 SDA 2Bs - Dynamat Ext.- BH-5- X-Overs VR-3, RDO-194 tweeters, Larry's Rings, Speakon/Neutrik I/C- Cherry stain tops Advent Maestros,Ohm model E

    H/T- Toshiba au40" flat- Yamaha RX- V665 avr- YSD-11 Dock- I-Pod- Klipsch #400HD Speaker set-

    Bdrm- Nikko 6065 receiver- JBL -G-200s--Pioneer 305 headphones--Sony CE375-5 disc
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  • cowboydude99
    cowboydude99 Posts: 97
    edited February 2014
    Okay, so I should stick with the original banana plugs then.

    But what are your thoughts on the BJC cables? I think I'm going to go with either the original cable I bought or the BJC Twelve White.

    Original Cable: http://www.amazon.com/12AWG-2-Conductor-Speaker-In-Wall-Installation/dp/B009EA7YD8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1392410593&sr=8-1&keywords=C%26E+100%27+12awg

    I'm not 100% sure what to do about the wires. I've read numerous articles that say all the cables sound the same. But there are a lot of people that say it does change the sound.
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  • PSOVLSK
    PSOVLSK Posts: 5,220
    edited February 2014
    I can't comment on the amazon wire, but the BJC is good stuff. I've used both the BJC Ten White and the Belden 5000UE and would comfortable recommending either.

    Based on design and all of the reviews on amazon, I'd say they will do the job just fine.
    Things work out best for those who make the best of the way things work out.-John Wooden
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  • cowboydude99
    cowboydude99 Posts: 97
    edited February 2014
    Thanks, but I don't just want to do it 'fine'. These are going in-wall, so I want to get something good. At what point ($/foot) would be considered a quality cable? I need around 125'.
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  • PSOVLSK
    PSOVLSK Posts: 5,220
    edited February 2014
    Oops. Sorry, I was referring to the banana plugs as being "fine." I think the cable is quality for in wall. I used the BJC Ten White in wall on long runs and was very pleased. If I needed in-wall cables again that's what I'd buy.

    As for the banana plugs, if they are as good as my Monster plugs (which they probably are) you'll probably like them. Wish I would have found them when I was buying nanners.
    Things work out best for those who make the best of the way things work out.-John Wooden
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  • cowboydude99
    cowboydude99 Posts: 97
    edited February 2014
    Thanks PSOVLSK.

    I actually called BJC and spoke to someone (he didn't give me a name). He said 12awg should be fine, even if I was using a 400wpc amp. My receiver is rated 135wpc... so I'm okay for now. I might add a separate amp down the line for 200wpc... so its good to know that 12awg is fine.
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  • seabeerob213
    seabeerob213 Posts: 1,843
    edited February 2014
    that receiver isnt really rated at those figures, and those plugs may be mechanically sound, but i have used some of their plugs and wasnt impressed, cheap materials and poor build quality.
    2 Channel(work in progress):DAC: Schiit modi 2 uberAmp:Parasound 1200 MK IISub:RBH 1010-SEP Speakers: Monitor 5A peerlesscurrently running some krk rokit 3g since the HK pre outs died and i need to start breaking everything down to move in a couple monthsHeadphones:Source: tidalDAC: schiit modius epre: schiit sysAmp: AQ dragonfly black/ schiit magni2 Cans: Velodyne V-True, Grado SR225i, sennheiser x drop gaming headsetPC:DAC: schiit modius e(over spdif)pre: schiit sysspeakers: prenous eris 5 xtSub: Earthquake Sound MiniMe-P63most of my comments are passing on of info, im a noob, im just trying to help how i can, if im wrong or out of place to comment, dont hesitate to let me know :)"WITH WILLING HEARTS AND SKILLFUL HANDS, THE DIFFICULT WE DO AT ONCE, THE IMPOSSIBLE TAKES A BIT LONGER, WITH COMPASSION FOR OTHERS. WE BUILD - WE FIGHT FOR PEACE WITH FREEDOM"Seabee Memorial, Arlington, VA
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  • cowboydude99
    cowboydude99 Posts: 97
    edited February 2014
    Seabeerob213, I know. But I have no other way of giving an answer other than what the product was listed for...

    Do you have any recommendations then? Something is works well?
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  • cowboydude99
    cowboydude99 Posts: 97
    edited February 2014
    I ended up ordering everything from BJC.

    120' Twelve White speaker cable
    10 Gold Banana Plugs (I'll use these to go from the wall plate to the receiver and from the speakers to the receiver)
    -Only two runs in-wall. The front 3, will go straight to the receiver.
    4 Locking Gold Banana Plugs (I'll use these to hold the in-wall wires to the back of the face plates).
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  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited February 2014
    There ya go. No sense in driving yourself crazy with a million options to choose from.
    Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2
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  • PSOVLSK
    PSOVLSK Posts: 5,220
    edited February 2014
    I think you'll be happy with your purchase. Congrats!

    I'm communicating terribly. When I said, " If I needed in-wall cables again that's what I'd buy.", I was talking about BJC, not the BJC Ten specifically. I think the 12 will be plenty good and the 10 is actually hard to work with using banana plugs.
    Things work out best for those who make the best of the way things work out.-John Wooden
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  • cowboydude99
    cowboydude99 Posts: 97
    edited February 2014
    I gotcha. I ordered the 12awg.

    Got the new receiver, so as soon as I get the wires, I'll be good to go!

    Thanks for all the help!
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