Speaker cable termination options
I recently moved my system to a single wall, drastically shortening my speaker cable run from 60 feet (which ran up through the attic) down to about 8 feet. Right now, I’m using Amazon Basics 14 AWG bare wire connected via flex-pin banana plugs to get by, but I want to replace them with a proper set of dedicated cables.
My gear consists of a Luxman L-507Z integrated amp and Wharfedale Super Linton speakers.
I have gone down the cable rabbit hole and frankly find it exhausting, so I’m not looking to rehash standard cable debates. I am strictly looking for perspective on unterminated vs. spades vs. banana plugs for my specific use case.
Here are my parameters:
Set and Forget: I do not plan on swapping gear, moving equipment, or dealing with tight/narrow spaces behind the rack.
Safety/Maintenance: I know unterminated wire carries a slight short-circuit risk if a strand strays, and I’m aware of copper oxidation over time.
Materials: I plan to stick with Oxygen-Free Copper (OFC) cable.
Given a strictly stationary, long-term setup, what termination type do you prefer and why? Furthermore, if I go with a terminated cable, are there specific plating materials (Gold, Silver, Rhodium, etc.) you recommend for the connectors to ensure the best long-term interface?
Thanks in advance for the insights and I hope you find some awesome new music this weekend,
This looks to be the same question for myself. I bought a roll of Mogami 4-core cable and hesitate to choose the connector because whatever material put in between the wire and the binding post becomes another path. I just 'screw' the wire tight to the binding post though I have a set of banana plug. Hope one with experience could respond to your question that may help me :) |
I don’t think it matters that much between spade or banana plugs; they both can make good connections. Bare wire can make good connections, but as you mentioned, the exposed ends can oxidize. Spades can come loose where the tension from the wire pulls on the screw in a counter clockwise direction. For that reason, I suggest banana plugs. |
@larryi nailed it. Bananas are set and forget. Locking bananas even better. |
Unterminated my sound best but over time will oxidize. Also, when you tighten down the binding post, thin gauge wires can be sheared off. For those reasons, not a option for me. I favor spades over bananas simply because you can get them in pure copper, bananas are typically always inferior alloys. Progold the wire and spade, use a proper crimper to achieve an airtight weld, then I cover it with shrink wrap that has an adhesive inside the sleeve for a gas tight joint that will not oxidize I have never had issues with spades coming loose. YMMV. I would use a pure copper spade. Gold plating is fine. Rhodium is harder but less conductive. I avoid silver as I have seen too much oxidation with silver (yes, I know it is conductive). So, pick your poison. |
