I have tried bare vs. connectors of varying types with WE and Duelund 16GA (haven't tried 12 GA yet).
I prefer bare. There is a purity to the sound that I like. Various connectors flavored the sound, making things different, but not necessarily better.
I prefer bare. There is a purity to the sound that I like. Various connectors flavored the sound, making things different, but not necessarily better.