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Banana plugs? (1 Viewer)

Glenn_N

Auditioning
Joined
May 3, 2003
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11
My speakers have banana plug connectors. Is it better to wire the speakers with or without the plugs?

If I should use the plugs, are there certain brands that are better than others, and at what cost?

Where can I buy them?
 

Bob McElfresh

Senior HTF Member
Joined
May 22, 1999
Messages
5,182
Hi Glen.

Your speakers really have "5-way binding posts". These posts can accept bare wire, spades, pins, bananas and rings.

My favorite bananas for speakers are the Radio Shack dual bananas (2xx-308). These things take 12 ga wire in the side and clamp down on them to make an incredible connection. The solid spacer bar prevents shorts should a kid/dog trip over the wire while the power is on.

These plugs stick out 2-3 inches which is a bit far for behind your receiver, so I use the single bananas (2xx-306) for this end.

Note: not all binding post spaceing is the same. Buy 1 set of the dual bananas and bring them home to test spacing before investing in a whole set. These things cost about $6 per set.

Hope this helps.
 

Derek Iverson

Stunt Coordinator
Joined
Dec 10, 2002
Messages
191
Banana plugs don't give you any better sound. They are mostly for convenience and the cost of that convenience can add up depending on how many speakers you have to hook up.

I would also suggest that you buy a pair and see if you like them before making an investment in them.
 

Bill Balcziak

Supporting Actor
Joined
Aug 4, 1999
Messages
871
Is it better to wire the speakers with or without the plugs?
With. As long as you have binding posts that accept banana plugs, you might as well enjoy the ease-of-use they offer. I just moved my whole home theater system and the job would have been awful without the simplicity of banana plugs.
 

Bill Balcziak

Supporting Actor
Joined
Aug 4, 1999
Messages
871
For what it's worth, Home Depot sells a very nice set of banana plugs under the RCA brand. They cost $5 per set, and they are extremely user-friendly.
 

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