New Binding Posts | AI-1 Dreadnaught

audiocr381ve

Glenndog sent me a beautiful AI-1 Dreadnaught and I can't use it until I update the SDA connection on my CRS+'s.



I'm having trouble understanding how to make the connection. Because there are two binding posts for each channel on the AI-1, does this mean I'll need to install two posts for the SDA connection on each of my speakers?

I'm a little confused because I've seen people install a single post for the SDA connection, like this:



Would an ideal route be to install single posts on each speaker and have custom speaker cables made by Doug that go from two conductors on one end (the AI-1 end) to combined conductors (at the speaker end)?

Hope this all makes sense and thanks in advanced!

F1nut

You need two separate connections on the speakers as well as the case. What some have done is use one new binding post for the positive and connect the negative from the case to the existing negative binding post. A better idea is to use a single SpeakOn connector on the speaker, which has separate +/- connections.

helipilotdoug

Do as Jesse says Shane. The speakon is the best way to do this.

audiocr381ve

F1nut wrote: »

You need two separate connections on the speakers as well as the case. What some have done is use one new binding post for the positive and connect the negative from the case to the existing negative binding post. A better idea is to use a single SpeakOn connector on the speaker, which has separate +/- connections.

I figured I was a little late on doing it this way since the AI-1 came with binding posts (and nice ones at that!). I'm not sure I have the tools to modify the case further. Is there a post I can find to help me visualize what it would take to go SpeakOn?

westmassguy

Put a SpeakON Socket in place of the Pin/Blade Socket on each Binding Post Cup. Make two cables, each terminated with a SpeakON Plug on one end, and Two Banana Plugs or Fork/Spades on the other. You don't have to modify the case.

audiocr381ve

westmassguy wrote: »

Put a SpeakON Socket in place of the Pin/Blade Socket on each Binding Post Cup. Make two cables, each terminated with a SpeakON Plug on one end, and Two Banana Plugs or Fork/Spades on the other. You don't have to modify the case.

Gotha, where should I purchase the SpeakOn connectors from?

F1nut

Parts Express sells them, but there's plenty of other places.

F1nut

This is what it will look like on the speaker,







http://forum.polkaudio.com/discussion/142058/a-slightly-different-take-on-the-dreadnought/p1

audiocr381ve

F1nut wrote: »

Parts Express sells them, but there's plenty of other places.

Thanks for the help Jesse. So I found a page full of em' and I'm not sure which ones to grab.

https://www.parts-express.com/cat/speakon-hpc-speaker-connectors/1510

I see 2 pole, 4 pole, and 8 pole.

TNTsTunes

Get the 4 pole ones, but only use 2 poles. I was told the 4 pole ones are built better.

F1nut

As the man said, get the 4 pole version.

I used the NLT4FX-BAG male connector and the NLT4MP-BAG female chassis socket.

helipilotdoug

email coming to ya....

stogie

Doug sells the speakons also.

EndersShadow

@helipilotdoug‌

Doug is one of the forums best kept secrets, and I hope it gets out there more.

Snag some parts from him, or even have him make the cables for ya...

SCompRacer

Just a suggestion if you use the four terminal SpeakOn. I attached the pin wire to -2 terminal and blade to -1 terminal. On the 2.3 xover I did, in the schematic 2 is indicated as the pin terminal, 1 the blade. Both are negative polarity so it makes sense to use -2 and -1. I haven't checked but presume the CRS+ would follow the same numbering for pin/blade since other SDA schematics do. Wire your choice of interconnect cable the same way. Kind of flows with continuity if you know what I mean.



For a cleaner look I prefer the flange mounted 'inny' method, but this depends on thickness of plate. With this VR3 plate, there is just enough room to attach the connector without binding or the release hitting the Allen head fasteners I used.

dpowell

I ordered a set of plates from VR3 with the binding posts, speakon connector for the SDA IC and wiring harness ready to plug and play for my 2.3TL's. He does quality work. I'm quite happy with them.