Speaker cable termination options

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.

Great inquiry.

I had also made my own speaker cables with 14 GA OFC from Crutchfield and they work great. 

But, I noticed the banana plugs I had used were not making great contact, and so I wanted to upgrade. 

My first inclination was to purchase a set of Audioquest 1000 Series, but because I bi-wire, the cost was prohibitive ($299 for a pack of 4).

Then I thought why don't I try the AudioQuest 500 series...that too was cost prohibitive ($199 for a pack of 4).

What I decided to do instead was just to buy an AudioQuest Rocket 88 speaker cable because the cost was only a little more than buying their banana plugs. 

Good luck. 

I would check AG and USAM for a nice set of used cables and go with whatever ends they have. I’ve gone bare, banana and now spade. I was a bit nervous using bare with Maggie’s since the contact area was so small. To be honest I couldn’t hear any difference between the ends but did when I upgraded to a factory made cable. Buying used will save you 50% or more,

My budget/sound quality go to are Morrow level 4 with bananas. I just upgraded my gear and will be trading them in ( $600 fee ) for the same length and termination with level 6. FWIT my amp has those fairly expensive Cardas Rhodium 5 ways and my speakers have the same in copper. I have a couple 60 lb standard poodles and one likes to nap behind the speakers and I’ve had zero issues with the connection. Cheers , Mike B. 

@ctlesq I have gone down the cable rabbit hole and frankly find itexhausting

+1000: I research many years filling 30+ spreadsheet tabs of researched high-end audio notes from audio reviews especially taking note of comparative observations (which gives me some idea of relative value). So glad my journey has mostly ended in including choosing cabling. I still keep a single very long list in my iPhone Notes.