Spades vs. Banana plugs ??

I like spades because I perceive better contact area from a properly positioned and compressed spade and because spades are more readily available in high conductivity materials like copper, which is generally considered too soft for the structural demands of a banana connector where the wire hangs perpendicular to the connector. Banana connectors are often constructed from a copper alloy that is in the ballpark of 40-60 percent as conductive as basic copper.

Bigger isn’t always better. Cardas makes nice copper spades for soldering but one of my favorites is a fairly minimalist gold plate over high conductivity copper spade from Furutech (FP-203) that I crimp using a hydraulic die crimper that can almost achieve the level of connection that Cardas gets with their Forged Spade connections. I also will not argue with the benefit/performance of direct wire connections, assuming you have suitable binding posts, although I find that option better with solid core wire than with stranded wire.

Banana plugs ... idiot proof connectivity.  I had a receiver short out when bare wire ends touched each other.  

Rich 

Banana plugs for me they are just easier.

Spades seem to always come loose. Bananas for ease of use.

Mr. Vandersteen swears by spades, as they have the best contact. Given his experience and knowledge, I would have to agree. Banana's are more of a friction fit, spades will have contact over a larger area when screwed down tight.

Bob