Gold coated brass speaker spades


Question for the forum.

Whats the low down on brass speaker spades and bananas?

I recently demoed some very nice sounding speaker cables from a reputable manufacturer and found they used gold plated brass connectors.  From what I have read in these forums, copper is the preferred base metal.  Does it really matter?

What to do? 

rivinyl

 

It states this under their FPX outlets, but it is not underneath the GTX outlets, so not sure.... 

SPECIFICATIONS

All non-magnetic α (Alpha) Phosphor bronze Conductor
All models c(UL) approved

Unique pin insert construction ensures increased contact areas,
stable transmission and the tightest contacts in the Audio industry and they won’t scratch or mark the plating on male AC connectors!

・Accommodates cable diameters from 10 AWG to 24 AWG.

・Dimensions: 104.2mm×33.5mm (L×W), 28.2mm thick.

・Materials: Main body: Nylon and Fiber Glass

・Cover: White polycarbonate for FPX- (R) and (G), Black for FPX - (Cu)

・Connections: Set-screw

・Non-magnetic Rhodium, 24k Gold or Non plated Phosphor Bronze conductor(t: 0.8 mm)

Yes both the Furutech GTX-D (both gold and rhodium plated) are UL rated, as is my second favorite Oyaide R-1. I own both, and just double checked them

GTX-D specs:

• Rhodium or gold-plated α (Alpha) Pure Copper Conductor (0.8mm)  • Nonmagnetic stainless conductor spring system  • Body material: Nylon/fiberglass with piezo ceramic and carbon damping material • Cover material: Polycarbonate  • Parts set with nonmagnetic 2.0mm-thick stainless brace plate • Specified for wire diameters of 4mm (set screw) • Dimensions: 104.0 mm (L) x 47.2 mm (W) x 28.0 mm (H)  • Total attention to detail and build quality extends right down to a specially designed patent-pending conductor pressure plate (see below) that increases contact area  • Furutech spade terminal FP-205 recommended for 10 AWG wire 

Yes both the Furutech GTX-D (both gold and rhodium plated) are UL rated, as is my second favorite Oyaide R-1. I own both, and just double checked them

Confirmed, it actually states that at the beginning of the second video I posted above, and one can see the UL logo on the front of the plug. 

I don't suppose you have tried the Shunyata one? 

mclinnguy

I did not compare the Shunyata receptacle. I tested several models of Furutechs, Oyaides, Pangea (which I already owned), Cardas, Synergistic, Acme Audio Labs, Levitons, and maybe some others......testing was just over a year long.

The Acme Audio Labs silver Cryo and CFC, were surprisingly good at their modest $60 price......revealing, but not as much as the rhodium Furutechs which take forever to break in