can someone pls help me with the different types of speaker wire connectors? banana plugs etc?

Question

and also can u pls grade them from best to not so good and if possible a website where i can see how to hook them up?
Thanks

thansk shawn, its for home use and i am willing to put a good amount (more towards the top end then the bottom end)

in response to shawns post- i want to know the diff b/w diffspeaker connectors AND know how to connect them to te speaker wire and the receiver.
That file tells you how to install speakers(not what i wanted)

Answer 1

Okay, here you go...

- Spades. Arguably the best conductor next
to bare wire connections. You will needing
binding posts in order to use these. Shaped
like a 2-prong fork, then slide onto the post
and then fastened securely by screwing
down the post screw clockwise. Not very
convenient, so use this type only if you plan
on keeping them fastened for awhile. Also,
some connections have a tendency to come
loose slightly do to settling or movement of
the speakers or speaker cable or amp. It
can be hard to screw the posts down tight
enough to avoid loosening over time.

- Bananas. The most convenient type of
connector and makes for a solid connection
if the banana is properly designed. These
are perfect for the audiophile that trades
out speakers and/or amplifiers often. Just
plug them into the top of the binding posts
(if there is not an open hole, most likely there
is just a removable cover that can be taken off).

- Pins. Easy to install, and offers a neat look
as opposed to bare wire, but not a very good
or solid connection. The least desirable type
of connector for an audiophile. Basically an
alternative to bare wire for the basic spring-
loaded press on connectors found on older
speakers and amps or non-audiophile gear.

- Bare wire (a.k.a. non-termination). This is the
best connection between speaker and amplifier,
although can be quite tedious to make the
connection. Virtually any terminals will accept
this type of connection.

H a p p y
L i s t e n i n g !

Answer 2

Banana plugs blow -- I hate them.

I'd rather use bare wire to a screw.

1. Speakon is the high-end connector for professional speakers.

2. Quarter Inch Phone Plugs are next.

3. Banana Plugs

4. Bare wires with screw connectors.

I've seen some XLR plugs in speaker connections too. I'd put them between 1 and 2, I guess.


You might find some connections with a little spring loaded connection for a bare wire and you might find some RCA connections. They work just fine for a home stereo.

The big key is keeping your phases straight. My motto is "ribbed is right."

Rawk on.

Answer 3

It really depends on the type of speakers and the application (home or auto). Alot also depends on how much cash you want to put into your install.
Try this site (it is for auto install):
http://www.crutchfieldadvisor.com/ISEO-rgbtcspd/learningcenter/car/speakers_install.html
Or this one (for home install in .pdf)
http://mksound.com/pdf/user_manuals/user_inwalls/SW95_85_installation.pdf#search=%22speaker%20install%20instructions%22
Good luck!