Speaker cable

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Polk & H/K
Polk & H/K Posts: 29
edited May 2007 in Basic Hookup/Wiring Questions
What is the best way to go with speaker cable? Gauge, terminate bananas or spades?
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  • engtaz
    engtaz Posts: 7,665
    edited May 2007
    I like 14 gauge and solder type (does not need to be soldered) banana connectors from monoprice.com not expensive
    engtaz

    I love how music can brighten up a bad day.
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  • read-alot
    read-alot Posts: 812
    edited May 2007
    Polk & H/K wrote: »
    What is the best way to go with speaker cable? Gauge, terminate bananas or spades?

    Depends on how long your runs are and what your amp and speakers accept as connections.
    polkaudio SRS (rdo194 x 8)
    Dodd ELP (separate power supply)
    JC 1 blocks ( strapped )
    Rega Apollo
    MIT (speaker cables) Outlaw (ICs)

    polkaudio SDA2(rdo194x4) (front) polkaudio CRS (rdo194x4)(rear) polkaudio 400i (center)
    B&K 505
    Samsung LCD
    VIP 622
    HSU STF-2
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  • evan benlian
    evan benlian Posts: 3
    edited May 2007
    will banana connectors change the quality of sound better than a direct hookup from the wire to the speakers ?

    Thanks .
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  • bionicmushroom
    bionicmushroom Posts: 73
    edited May 2007
    Correct me if I am wrong but I don't believe it will affect the overall quality of sound. It will help reduce corrosion of the wires over time and help with a easier, better looking connection. And welcome to the forums!
    AVR: Onkyo TX-SR604/s
    Front: Polk Rt1000i
    Center: Polk CS400i
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  • crossroads
    crossroads Posts: 32
    edited May 2007
    Hi, I tin the bare wire with 4% silver solder then hook them up and clean with de-oxid every 6 months. Have used bananas and spades but never like them much.
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  • Gaara
    Gaara Posts: 2,415
    edited May 2007
    Actually gold is a worse conductor then copper, so technically speaking bare wire should sound better then bananas or spades. I have never heard of anyone actually perceiving or measuring a difference though. The mushroom man is right, it will prevent the oxidation that occurs with bare, makes it easier to unhook and rehook, and looks nicer.

    Tinning the wire would work to, I have never done it because I apparently can't use a soldering iron properly...and I always somehow burn myself.

    As for Bananas vs spades, some people prefer spades because the binding post can be tightened down and they offer more surface area then bananas. Bananas are easier to use and you never have to worry about over tightening, and some lock into place for a tight connection. I

    Jared
    The Basement HT
    PC Rig
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  • engtaz
    engtaz Posts: 7,665
    edited May 2007
    And the shorter the wire the less loss. LOL
    engtaz

    I love how music can brighten up a bad day.
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  • danger boy
    danger boy Posts: 15,722
    edited May 2007
    14 guage with bananas or buy a pre made speaker cable with the connectors you want on the ends.

    this is what i use http://www.cobaltcable.com/speaker-cable-pair.htm
    it's 10 guage cables..
    PolkFest 2012, who's going>?
    Vancouver, Canada Sept 30th, 2012 - Madonna concert :cheesygrin:
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  • read-alot
    read-alot Posts: 812
    edited May 2007
    I like these that you can screw on what ever your little heart desires for connections.

    http://www.mitcables.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22&Itemid=28
    polkaudio SRS (rdo194 x 8)
    Dodd ELP (separate power supply)
    JC 1 blocks ( strapped )
    Rega Apollo
    MIT (speaker cables) Outlaw (ICs)

    polkaudio SDA2(rdo194x4) (front) polkaudio CRS (rdo194x4)(rear) polkaudio 400i (center)
    B&K 505
    Samsung LCD
    VIP 622
    HSU STF-2
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter