Speaker Cable Terminations


Can anyone explain the proper way to terminate speaker cable? Please include pros and cons of termination methods including soldering vs. crimping and benefits of spade lugs vs. bananas, etc. Also where to purchase effective but inexpensive terminations.
ernio1

Showing 1 response by jaykapur

My belief is that cable termination is a convenience feature, so you choose the type that you like best. I prefer soldered bananas because they are easy to connect and (with the right plugs) don't come loose. Some people like spades. Some people like to crimp. I think that crimped terminations fall apart too easy (except maybe with the $100 WBT connectors). Just choose what you like best and don't worry about it.

If you get aftermarket cables, many come preterminated from the factory. Even if you buy bulk wire like Kimber Kable, the dealer should terminate them with the connectors you choose to buy. (Unless they are lazy cheap bastards, which many dealers have become).