Spades Verses Bananas?

This is a great discussion post with lots of good points made. I agree with those who mentioned it will often depend on the speakers. I've had speakers with binding posts that prefer spades, other times they are terrible with spades. Same with bananas where sometimes the binding post angle makes it really impractical to keep a solid banana connection.

All things being equal, I might prefer a spade if I knew I would not be changing anything for the long term. Knowing my style I do like swapping gear often so a well made banana connector works better from that point of view.

I build Audio Power Cables on a bespoke basis and the problem is emitter/collector then collector/emitter. This means always Spade at amp and always Banana at speaker. If you are making the cables yourself use WBT Silver Solder if it's relevant. The idea of holding large gauge cable with tiny screws is not the best and solder flows round and through things. With these connectors keep things simple such as Kimber.

+1 for locking bananas

Been using Monster Cable X-Terminators.

Attach your own ends, change them as needed.

I showed the locking bananas above.

https://www.parts-express.com/Stacking-Banana-Plug-with-Dual-Set-Screws-Poly-Carbonate-Sh-091-3608?quantity=1

You attach them yourself, via two set screws, then the long internal screw spreads/tightens/locks the banana in it’s socket. 

These spades attach with two set screws also

both take up to 8 AWG

https://www.parts-express.com/5-16-Spade-Terminal-with-Dual-Set-Screws-and-Poly-Carbonate-091-3606?quantity=1

I’ve tried both and I prefer banana plugs.  Easy to plug and unplug and secure connections for my equipment and speakers.  Especially user friendly when having to switch connections in the back of all my gear.  I haven’t noticed a difference in sound so I think it’s personal preference in my experience.