Banana Plugs...

Shicks18
Shicks18 Posts: 397
edited August 2009 in 2 Channel Audio
I am a banana plug fan and use the cheap ones from monoprice. I read from another thread that the banana's from monoprice actually degrades the sound of audio systems.

What are some decent budgeted banana's that would help the sound of my system? (<$50 for 12 total plugs)

I use AQ Type 4 Speaker Wire if that helps.

How are these for quality? :

http://www.speakerrepair.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=genem&Product_Code=BS12&Category_Code=black_chrome
TV: LG 55LW5600
Pre: Marantz SR6001
Front Amp: Parasound HCA-1000A
Center Amp: Marantz MA500
Mains: Polk LSi9
Center: Polk LSiC
Sub: HSU VTF-3 MK-2
Games: Xbox360 and PS3
Post edited by Shicks18 on
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  • SoundArtillery
    SoundArtillery Posts: 39
    edited August 2009
    Bleu Jeans Cable sells some nice locking plugs.
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  • kawizx9r
    kawizx9r Posts: 5,150
    edited August 2009
    SoundArtillery wrote: »
    Bleu Jeans Cable sells some nice locking plugs.

    +1
    Its what I use for 12awg and 10awg and works out wonderfully. Also check out http://www.speakerrepair.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=genem&Product_Code=BS10&Category_Code=black_chrome I'll be using these (http://www.speakerrepair.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=genem&Product_Code=BL10&Category_Code=locking) for my next pair of wires I make. :D
    Truck setup
    Alpine 9856
    Phoenix Gold RSD65CS

    For Sale
    Polk SR6500
    Polk SR5250
    Polk SR104


    heiney9 wrote: »
    Any clue how to use the internet? Found it in about 10 sec.
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  • Rizzy138
    Rizzy138 Posts: 2
    edited August 2009
    whats a banana plug ?
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  • SoundArtillery
    SoundArtillery Posts: 39
    edited August 2009
    Rizzy138 wrote: »
    whats a banana plug ?

    Don't know . . . I think I saw one in a porno once. Try this.
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited August 2009
    SA, you got it wrong.

    Here's the right way to do it: http://tinyurl.com/m7yw6p
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • SoundArtillery
    SoundArtillery Posts: 39
    edited August 2009
    OMG that is awesome.
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  • Shicks18
    Shicks18 Posts: 397
    edited August 2009
    Darn, all these responses and only 1 recommendation!
    TV: LG 55LW5600
    Pre: Marantz SR6001
    Front Amp: Parasound HCA-1000A
    Center Amp: Marantz MA500
    Mains: Polk LSi9
    Center: Polk LSiC
    Sub: HSU VTF-3 MK-2
    Games: Xbox360 and PS3
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited August 2009
    http://soniccraft.com/products/connections/banana.htm

    http://www.partsconnexion.com/connectors_ban_all.html
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • Shicks18
    Shicks18 Posts: 397
    edited August 2009
    Woooop. That takes care of things. Thank you very much.
    TV: LG 55LW5600
    Pre: Marantz SR6001
    Front Amp: Parasound HCA-1000A
    Center Amp: Marantz MA500
    Mains: Polk LSi9
    Center: Polk LSiC
    Sub: HSU VTF-3 MK-2
    Games: Xbox360 and PS3
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  • polkatese
    polkatese Posts: 6,767
    edited August 2009
    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=86722&highlight=gls+banana
    I am sorry, I have no opinion on the matter. I am sure you do. So, don't mind me, I just want to talk audio and pie.
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  • Shicks18
    Shicks18 Posts: 397
    edited August 2009
    Yea I saw that. The website has a 12 pack for $30. A little less coin that route
    TV: LG 55LW5600
    Pre: Marantz SR6001
    Front Amp: Parasound HCA-1000A
    Center Amp: Marantz MA500
    Mains: Polk LSi9
    Center: Polk LSiC
    Sub: HSU VTF-3 MK-2
    Games: Xbox360 and PS3
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  • kawizx9r
    kawizx9r Posts: 5,150
    edited August 2009
    You can look up nakamichi plugs on ebay. They can be had for like 10-12 bucks for 24 of them and plenty of people use them if you're looking for something budget-friendly.
    Truck setup
    Alpine 9856
    Phoenix Gold RSD65CS

    For Sale
    Polk SR6500
    Polk SR5250
    Polk SR104


    heiney9 wrote: »
    Any clue how to use the internet? Found it in about 10 sec.
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  • Ern Dog
    Ern Dog Posts: 2,237
    edited August 2009
    More options here.
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  • NJPOLKER
    NJPOLKER Posts: 3,474
    edited August 2009
    Shicks18 wrote: »
    I am a banana plug fan and use the cheap ones from monoprice. I read from another thread that the banana's from monoprice actually degrades the sound of audio systems.

    What are some decent budgeted banana's that would help the sound of my system? (<$50 for 12 total plugs)

    I use AQ Type 4 Speaker Wire if that helps.

    How are these for quality? :

    http://www.speakerrepair.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=genem&Product_Code=BS12&Category_Code=black_chrome

    Are you planning on doing the re-termination yourself?
    Audioquest can do them for a reasonable fee if you don't want to do it yourself.
    AQ4's are a good introduction to hi-performance cables. How many hours do you think you have on them? Be sure they are running in the right direction. Sorry if I sound like a **** head but people do miss some of these things once in awhile.
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  • dragon1952
    dragon1952 Posts: 4,899
    edited August 2009
    I like these. Beryllium copper base metal with gold plate.
    knukonceptz bfa bananas $7.99 set of 4
    http://www.knukonceptz.com/productMaster.cfm?category=Connectors#
    2 channel - Willsenton R8 tube integrated, Holo Audio Spring 3 KTE DAC, audio optimized NUC7i5, Windows 10 Pro/JRiver MC29/Fidelizer Plus 8.7 w/LPS and external SSD drive, PS Audio PerfectWave P3 regenerator, KEF R3 speakers, Rythmik F12SE subwoofer, Audioquest Diamond USB cable, Gabriel Gold IC's, Morrow Audio SP5 speaker cables. Computer - Windows 10/JRiver, Schiit Magni 3+/Modi 3+, Fostex PMO.4n monitors, Sennheiser HD600 headphones
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  • Shicks18
    Shicks18 Posts: 397
    edited August 2009
    NJPOLKER wrote: »
    Are you planning on doing the re-termination yourself?
    Audioquest can do them for a reasonable fee if you don't want to do it yourself.
    AQ4's are a good introduction to hi-performance cables. How many hours do you think you have on them? Be sure they are running in the right direction. Sorry if I sound like a **** head but people do miss some of these things once in awhile.

    I will do the termination myself, unless there will be will be a benefit of ordering some cables already terminated. I have over 100 hours of listening for the cables. They are all set up correctly as well.
    TV: LG 55LW5600
    Pre: Marantz SR6001
    Front Amp: Parasound HCA-1000A
    Center Amp: Marantz MA500
    Mains: Polk LSi9
    Center: Polk LSiC
    Sub: HSU VTF-3 MK-2
    Games: Xbox360 and PS3
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  • lakedmb
    lakedmb Posts: 35
    edited August 2009
    Shicks18 wrote: »
    I am a banana plug fan and use the cheap ones from monoprice. I read from another thread that the banana's from monoprice actually degrades the sound of audio systems.

    Out of curiosity, where did you read this? I would like to see some proof for this. I'm not saying that it does or doesn't, but this is the first time I have heard this claim.

    Thanks.
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  • kawizx9r
    kawizx9r Posts: 5,150
    edited August 2009
    I'd like to agree with lakedmb regarding this as well. Don't get me wrong I'm definitely a cable-believer so you might ask me why should that be limited to IC's/speaker wire right? A banana plug is just too short of a connect from the bare wire to the speaker terminal to actually make a difference. I'm not saying it isn't possible but for such differences to be heard (if any subtle differences), it'd most likely be heard on a very high-grade system that has outstanding synergy.
    Truck setup
    Alpine 9856
    Phoenix Gold RSD65CS

    For Sale
    Polk SR6500
    Polk SR5250
    Polk SR104


    heiney9 wrote: »
    Any clue how to use the internet? Found it in about 10 sec.
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited August 2009
    I was the one who posted it. There was a very noticeable difference between Monoprice nanners to bare wire.
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • jacob.simpson
    jacob.simpson Posts: 481
    edited August 2009
    Thats hard to believe, that monoprice BPs are degrading the sound,
    i have done intense listening with bare wire vs MP BPs i could not find
    any difference at all. I had the option to return them for a full refund,
    i decided to keep them. Just for the sake of bare wires shorting and ease
    of doing any tests cleaning etc.
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  • Ern Dog
    Ern Dog Posts: 2,237
    edited August 2009
    Remember that everyone's gear is different and has different levels of resolution, plus everyone's ear's hear things differently and some have better hearing than others. There are soo many different factors to take into account.
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  • RCFGuitars
    RCFGuitars Posts: 159
    edited August 2009
    dragon1952 wrote: »
    I like these. Beryllium copper base metal with gold plate.
    knukonceptz bfa bananas $7.99 set of 4
    http://www.knukonceptz.com/productMaster.cfm?category=Connectors#

    +1. I've been using these for a couple of weeks now, and am very pleased. They grip tight, accept heavier wire, and have greater surface contact than standard banana type connectors.
    Primary System
    Polk Audio SDA SRS 2.3TL (RDO198,Sonicap/Dayton/Mills,CardasCCGR,Mye Spikes,DynamatX,Driver Rings,Ben's IC,Bi-Wired)
    Polk Audio CSiA4 x2 (C)
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    OPPO BDP-83
    Panasonic TC-P65V10 65" Plasma
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  • PSOVLSK
    PSOVLSK Posts: 5,204
    edited August 2009
    Ern Dog wrote: »
    Remember that everyone's gear is different and has different levels of resolution, plus everyone's ear's hear things differently and some have better hearing than others. There are soo many different factors to take into account.

    Anytime a cable debate, etc. breaks out, this should be posted and then the thread should be closed;)

    Oh yeah, I use banana plugs from Parts Express, Radio Shack, and Monster. Don't really care for the Parts Express plugs. The Radio Shack plugs work fine and I got them half price when a local store went out of business. I really like the Monster plugs, but like most things Monster they cost too much. Not much help am I??
    Things work out best for those who make the best of the way things work out.-John Wooden
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  • Shicks18
    Shicks18 Posts: 397
    edited August 2009
    Your opinions help, honestly. It is worth it to spend more money on banana plugs then just settle for MP.
    TV: LG 55LW5600
    Pre: Marantz SR6001
    Front Amp: Parasound HCA-1000A
    Center Amp: Marantz MA500
    Mains: Polk LSi9
    Center: Polk LSiC
    Sub: HSU VTF-3 MK-2
    Games: Xbox360 and PS3
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  • JohnLocke88
    JohnLocke88 Posts: 1,150
    edited August 2009
    Monoprice plugs degrade the sound quality... news to me, but oh well.
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  • comfortablycurt
    comfortablycurt Posts: 6,745
    edited August 2009
    I'm using some cheapo monoprice bananas right now. I can't speak in regards to their SQ though, since I've never compared them to other bananas.

    These are pretty cheap plugs though. Decent for what they are, but I could imagine them degrading SQ to some extents.

    Whenever I've got some extra money burning a hole in my pocket and nothing better to spend it on, I'll be getting some of the GLS Locking Nanners to reterminate my HT system, and I'll either retire or Karma the Monoprice nanners.

    They're $70 for a pack of 28, which is enough to wire up a 7.1 system. They have them in several other amounts as well.

    http://cgi.ebay.com/28-Locking-Banana-Speaker-Cable-Plugs-GLS-Audio-P-BL28_W0QQitemZ200277200216QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item2ea1738d58&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262
    The nirvana inducer-
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    Parasound HCA-1200II power amp
    PolkAudio LSi9's/PolkAudio SDA 2A's/PolkAudio Monitor 7A's
    Audioquest Speaker Cables and IC's
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  • WilliamM2
    WilliamM2 Posts: 4,775
    edited August 2009
    comfortablycurt wrote: »
    Decent for what they are, but I could imagine them degrading SQ to some extents.

    Some people imagine all kinds of things.
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  • gdb
    gdb Posts: 6,012
    edited August 2009
    I am looking for 90degree banana plugs that won't have the plug and cable sticking out from the speaker box as much as the straight ones do. Has anybody ever seen some ?:confused:
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