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Speaker Termination for dummies

OK...I know there are other threads out there about speaker connectors but I need this stuff spoon fed to me. How should I hook my speakers up. I have a Marantz 7200 Receiver and psb Alpha speakers so I can't pay $500 for wire! I have heard of "banana plugs" but what are "spade connectors" and how do they work. Also, what gauge wire should I be using to run 25' to the rear channels? Thanks in advance.
jc1430

Showing 1 response by sugarbrie

sugarbrie
3,854 posts
 
Spades look like two prong flat forks. You could also use pins which are a single flat piece of gold plated metal. For bananas, your speaker terminals on your receiver need to have a round hole in the back to plug the banana into.

For a long run of wire you should use a thick wire. The smaller the number (gauge) the thicker the wire. 12 gauge would be fine, 16 is too small for a long run.

Can I recommend IXOS 6003 speaker wire which is available at www.AC4L.com (Accessories for less) for $1.50 per foot with free shipping. They also sell terminations and will terminate them for just the cost of plugs. The IXOS 6003 is 13 gauge.

You will also want to check the terminals in the back of your receiver. On some, plastic protrudes out and around the screw in speaker connection, with a small space to fit in bare wire. You will not be able to put spades into that small space. You will have to use pins or bananas. While bare wire is fine also, I recommend you "tin" the bare wire ends, which means coating the wire ends with silver solder to cut down on corrosion of the copper.

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