Which speaker connector to use?

 

Bronze Member
Username: Mjnoles1

Post Number: 14
Registered: Jun-04
The connectors that are on my speaker cables now that came with my system are one's like these http://www.rca.com/product/viewdetail/0,2588,PI45179-CI201,00.html? which have the silver tips and I have had my system for awhile, I want to replace them with gold plated connectors. So do I get ones like these http://www.rca.com/product/viewdetail/0,2588,PI700312-CI700233,00.html? I heard though that the replacment connectors for my type of cable are the banana connectors like these http://www.rca.com/product/viewdetail/0,2588,PI700314-CI700233,00.html? but the banana connectors do not look like the type of connectors that came with my cable, will it fit in my speaker input plug in slot? If so what are so speacial about banana connectors, are they better than the gold plated versions of the connectors that came with my cable?

This is the last thing to finally finish putting together my audio system, so I would be very thankful if I could get some quick responses so I could finally finish up this project.

Thanks a lot everyone
 

Silver Member
Username: Project6

Post Number: 710
Registered: Dec-03
first of, what type of posts do you have on your speakers? Are they 5 way binding posts, spring clips, RCA? What kind of speakers are you using?
It seems like the connectors you are using right now are RCA type connectors, if that's the case, then you can only use the same type.
 

Bronze Member
Username: Mjnoles1

Post Number: 15
Registered: Jun-04
I am using rca right now. So then I guess I can only use rca type. Well then in that case do I have to cut off the old silver color one and add on one of these http://www.rca.com/product/viewdetail/0,2588,PI700312-CI700233,00.html? to get the improved performance or can I just get one of these http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&category%5Fname=CTLG%5 F007%5F002%5F001%5F004&product%5Fid=274%2D915 and get the same kind of performance upgrade?

Thank you again Berny for the help
 

Silver Member
Username: Project6

Post Number: 738
Registered: Dec-03
What kind of performance upgrade are you trying to accomplish?
What audio system is this?
 

Bronze Member
Username: Mjnoles1

Post Number: 16
Registered: Jun-04
My old system but doesnt silver plugs loose performance over time? I have had these plugs for awhile now and I thought if I upgraded to gold plated plug connectors then the performance would be closer to when it was new then it is now with the old silver plugs.
 

Silver Member
Username: Project6

Post Number: 750
Registered: Dec-03
You skirting the question.
What are you hoping to accomplish with your system?
Separate components? Mini stereo?
But if you honestly believe that you can hear improvements, go for it.
 

Bronze Member
Username: Mjnoles1

Post Number: 17
Registered: Jun-04
I just read many places that the silver connectors that come with most audio systems will downgrade over time with audio sound and clarity. I just thought and correct me if I am wrong that getting gold plated connectors to replace the old silver connectors will improve the sound quality and or clarity that has been lessend over time with the old silver connectors?
 

Silver Member
Username: Project6

Post Number: 756
Registered: Dec-03
If you don't have any high end equipment, just save your money and upgrade your gear. Don't waste your money on cables, mediocre equipment will show little or no improvement with high end cables.
 

Bronze Member
Username: Mjnoles1

Post Number: 18
Registered: Jun-04
I wouldn't say any of my equipment is mediocre at all, far from it I would say. So with that solved, do you think using this http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?cookie%5Ftest=1&catalog%5Fname=CTLG&catego ry%5Fname=CTLG%5F007%5F002%5F001%5F004&product%5Fid=274%2D915 to plug into my old silver connector then plug into my system would give me the same sound improvement as cutting the old silver connector off and attaching a new gold plated connector? Or do you think that the only way to get an improvment over the old silver connector is to cut it off and it rid of it all together and add a gold plated connector to the cable?

Thanks again.
 

Silver Member
Username: Project6

Post Number: 774
Registered: Dec-03
You misunderstand, I am not judging your equipment as i have not seen or heard it - it's just an old adage, my mistake.

But here it is, unless there's something seriously wrong with your connections, you may not see a benefit. However, there are anecdotal improvements in systems that have had cable upgrades. Some swear by the improvements and some claim to hear no difference. By all means, go ahead and upgrade and tell us what you hear:-)

 

Unregistered guest
Gold is not as conductive as silver. Gold plated connectors are less revealing and less detailed. On the other end, they are more forgiving and airy.

Silver has an increased level of detail which improves timbre and dynamic. Silver needs a much longer break in to open. Silver will oxide over the time but silver oxidation remains conductive. To restore the look, use a jewellery cleaner. I would suggest gold plated connectors only with too detailed systems (like systems with all silver interconnects and cables). Silver is great up to a certain limit.
 

Bronze Member
Username: Arnold_layne

MadridSpain

Post Number: 40
Registered: Jun-04
Now that's what I call an Audiophile...

But why isn't it better to plug in cable as it is, just soaking it with antioxidant?
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