I recently read an article (Sound and Vision?) and the editor mentioned that he NEVER uses banana plugs to connect his amp on his permanent system - only gear that he swaps out often.
I've been using banana plugs for years anywhere possible. Is there some unwritten rule about only using bare wire for amp connections, for a permanent setup?
I use banana plugs only on the AVR ends of my cables just because it's SO much easier to plug/unplug them in the confines behind my entertainment center. I use the bare wire to connect to my speakers. I've heard of people not liking banana plugs because it just adds a connection to the stream the could degrade the sound. That's really all I've heard on the subject.
I'm really interested in this topic as I was just about to order 20 banana plugs. Hooking up receivers with bare wire is a pain, but if it sounds better I'll do it!
I've been using banana plugs for years anywhere possible. Is there some unwritten rule about only using bare wire for amp connections, for a permanent setup?
I had speaker wires for a 7.2 system built into the walls in my new house. The contractor connected the wires bare at the main receiver location behind the wall plate. When I set up the system, I got duplicate sound in several speakers and the receiver shorted out (went into speaker protect mode and shut down). I replaced the contractor's bare wire connections with banana plugs. Presto! Problem solved. Sound is magnificent. Certainly no degradation that I'm noticing. No brainer -- banana plus over bare wire, particularly where connection terminals are close together.
If I know I will need to change out equipment within a year or two I use Banana Plugs. Otherwise bare wire is fine. Why put something in a line when you don't need to ?
An exception is equipment with tight hard to work with Amp connectioms. Then it's banana Plugs for sure. I have some equipment that I can't even get my fingertips to unscrew the connectors at all.
Don't worry about bananas--if you plug stuff into the wall it is the same concept. I wonder what the torque spec on 5 way binding posts is? Hmmm.... overthinking this again? I'd say so... As long as the voltage drop is less than 5 percent across the entire run, you are certified golden!
More importantly, what gives better light, the same bulb in the table lamp with a plug or the bulb in the ceiling fan hardwired in the ceiling? I used an AudioQest plug on the table lamp and the light was warmer... my wife said it was
waermer from the other room and even my dogs love me more. ;D Every illumiphile could vouce for that. Use your eyes, not what is behind them. Illumiphile is a trademark of 18 Industries, creating problems/solving problems for more than 25 parsecs. You deserve the best!
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