Opinions on these banana plugs...

andersonbc · March 2006

Because I know that you guys are never in a short supply of opinions

I was hoping to get some opinions on these banana plugs:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5749034961&sspagename=ADME

or these:

http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Partnumber=091-1260

Thanks!

dorokusai · March 2006

They are definetly banana plugs, what do you want to hear? If you need them, buy them.

andersonbc · March 2006

If there are any less ostentatious posters out there, who are willing to give me an opinion on those two banana plugs, your time would be much appreciated.

shawn474 · March 2006

If you do a search, this subject has been discussed ad nauseum. "Ostentacious", eh? Doro just gave you the reponse that everyone else was thinking when they read the post.

Willow · March 2006

andersonbc wrote:

If there are any less ostentatious posters out there, who are willing to give me an opinion on those two banana plugs, your time would be much appreciated.

They'll work if you buy them. I use a similar compression type, makes life easy when moving gear around. If you like 'em buy'em

andersonbc · March 2006

I've read all of the old post on banana plugs (very helpful) but most of the links were dead (which is why I decided on two that are currently for sale- and was seeking opinions). There are so many different types out there it gets a little exhausting. I think I will give the compression ones a try then.

Sorry if my remarks offended someone, I don't understand why people reply with nothing to contribute. In my opinion, replies like "buy em' if you like" are pretentious and I'd rather have zero replies. Having said that, I don't want to fight with anyone and I appreciate everyone's time!

Willow · March 2006

if you can't or don't have the tools or are to lazy to solder then buy the compression type. The only thing they will add is convinience and may help slow down oxidization.Seriously if you think they are purdy and will make you life easier then buy'em

andersonbc · March 2006

Thanks Willow.

PS. I fall into the lazy category on soldering.

Willow · March 2006

andersonbc wrote:

Thanks Willow.

PS. I fall into the lazy category on soldering.

So did I;)

dragon1952 · March 2006

They're good, just make sure the spacing will fit your amp or speaker binding posts on those in the first link. They didn't fit my Paradigm speakers or my current integrated. Both of those are compression type BTW.

andersonbc · March 2006

Thanks for the heads up, I had not checked that yet.

heiney9 · March 2006

I personally like banana plugs for termination. As Dragon stated make sure the spacing is correct. Also here is a link to Parts Express for the same thing. Don't overpay on Ebay. It may cost you less to order from PE, you decide.

http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Partnumber=091-334

H9

EDIT: I see you've been to PE.

Pablo · March 2006

Sorry, but what's with the rude comments? (especialy to a newbie). I think what he wanted to hear was if the brand sucked or if they are worth the price.

Sorry Andersonbc, I can't help much. I used some monster & radio shack compression types, but weren't all that thrilled with them. But they were more than the ones you posted. I may switch out to a solder type (but may not ask which ones here).

steveinaz · March 2006

dragon1952 wrote:

They're good, just make sure the spacing will fit your amp or speaker binding posts on those in the first link. They didn't fit my Paradigm speakers or my current integrated. Both of those are compression type BTW.

+1, get the single bananas at Parts express, then you have no worries.

mrbigbluelight · March 2006

Bought some BANANA plugs off of Ebay. I know, how gauche ! <grin>

Any-who, here's a link:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5868990732&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWN%3AIT&rd=1

The cost winds up being about $1.40 per plug (bought 40 of them) and they are all metallic and rock solid. I was able to, without any difficulty, strip some inexpensive Acoustic 12-gauge WIRE (" :eek: GASP !") that I bought cheaply at BEST BUY (" :eek: :eek: DOUBLE GASP !!") and insert them without difficulty.

These plugs are built like tanks. Fit nicely in the back of my Onkyo 503 receiver (" :eek: :eek: :eek: TRIPLE GASP !!!")

The R30's, Monitor 40's, and CS2 Center haven't issued any complaints so far, so I'm happy.

schwarcw · March 2006

They look pretty good! The radio Shack one (sodering type) are about $1.99 a pair and don't look nearly as good as these. Nice buy! BTW, Welcome to the Foum!

wingnut4772 · March 2006

I use locking banana plugs from Cobalt Cable and they seem to be pretty good.

andersonbc · March 2006

This is great feedback ... thanks a lot!

propman07 · March 2006

mrbigbluelight wrote:

Bought some BANANA plugs off of Ebay. I know, how gauche ! <grin>

Any-who, here's a link:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5868990732&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWN%3AIT&rd=1

The cost winds up being about $1.40 per plug (bought 40 of them) and they are all metallic and rock solid. I was able to, without any difficulty, strip some inexpensive Acoustic 12-gauge WIRE (" :eek: GASP !") that I bought cheaply at BEST BUY (" :eek: :eek: DOUBLE GASP !!") and insert them without difficulty.

These plugs are built like tanks. Fit nicely in the back of my Onkyo 503 receiver (" :eek: :eek: :eek: TRIPLE GASP !!!")

The R30's, Monitor 40's, and CS2 Center haven't issued any complaints so far, so I'm happy.

I purchased the same type of plugs off of e-Bay as well. I agree with mrbigbluelight, they are built rock-solid. I am using them on my RTi10s and my CSi5, all connecting to my Sony STR-DA 5000ES with no complaints.

DAMCB · March 2006

propman07 wrote:

I purchased the same type of plugs off of e-Bay as well. I agree with mrbigbluelight, they are built rock-solid. I am using them on my RTi10s and my CSi5, all connecting to my Sony STR-DA 5000ES with no complaints.

I bought a set of the locking banana plugs last week for my Emotiva MPs-1 amp at the distributor, Orange County Speaker. They worked great, but as others have posted, I was concerned about the uninsulated exposed body.
My cheap solution was to buy a 36" length of red and black 1/2" dia shrink tubing, cut to body length, and slip over the speaker cable prior to making up the connection to the plug. Just slip the shrink tube up over the connection after **** tight to expand the banana tip at the amp . The tubing will fit tight enough that you won't have to heat and shrink it.

masanz1 · March 2006

I use double screw plugs from IXOS that I like. $3/piece from local shop but hey I didn't have to wait. Very convenient. I love to solder also so for all my jumpers I use the solder plugs from Radio Shack which I like also.

pjdami · March 2006

I've tried out a lot of banana plugs. Personally, I like the Ixos ones. These have dual set screws that are "beefy". Some of the cheaper banana plugs have single set screws that strip when you tighten them down.

These Ixos banana plugs are identical to the bananas that Acoustic Zen uses for their banana jumpers for the Satori series speaker wires. I know because I took one apart.

http://www.accessories4less.com/cgi-bin/item/IXOS206

BobMcG · March 2006

I don't use bananas myself but I've made and sold speaker cables using them by request and used Vampire Wire's. You can check them out Here

drew spelts · March 2006

I bought the GLS plugs off of ebay and they are a tremendous value. They look great and feel sexy. Or is that they feel great and look sexy, oh well. I have never had a problem with them and have used them for almost a year now. But I can not find cable that is actually thick enough for the figers that are supposed to grip into the the sheething around the wires when **** the housing on tight. oh well, they feel sexy.

Modvlar · March 2006

Heh, I was looking at those too.

I tend to prefer the type that don't have the plastic spacer (sometimes the spacings don't match). Just single plugs.

I also prefer the type that don't have the bulbus springy ends, they tend to weaken. There are types available that are a solid bar/plug that is split into 4; stronger, and can easily be re-widened for a better fit.

My two cents... Plus I have to go out and buy a bunch too... with what cash?...

zingo · March 2006

I use banana plugs and I love them. They are easy, and look good too. I went with these from Parts Express. They are a cheap solution that works well. If you do any hooking and unhooking, a plug is the best way to go.

http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Partnumber=090-460

thehaens@cox.net · March 2006

+1 on the cobalts. They look a lot like the Raymond Cable locking plugs they use. I use the Raymond IC's and the locking plug is great. Set it and forget it.

Scott

gacole2000 · March 2006

I second the IXOS from A4Less. Those guys are great to deal with. The real value is that you can switch out speakers in a flash if you like to compare and I also used them on my system upstairs (in an enclosed area) and it used to be a **** to get back there and try and find the hole to tighten down (watch it :-)).

Good luck and welcome.

Modvlar · March 2006

Neighbourhood electronic stores actually seem to have a good variety, from the basic workbench type, to the gold plated floor-denters, and for a decent price. I just picked up a bunch, knowing that the store was having a clearout sale due to relocating.

I agree, I will never go back to bare wire. Plus risk breaking vintage binding posts.

Opinions on these banana plugs...

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