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Recommendations for top-notch banana speaker cable connectors

I have raised my appreciation of upgraded cabling recently with the addition of Silnote Morpheus II IC's.  I have 10 ga. ohno copper cabling for my 25' speaker runs.  I currently have banana jacks from GLS Audio (formerly Orange County Audio).  Once plugged in, one turns the connector to expand the pin internally, but they still seem to yield a less-than-secure fit and the metal they use is questionable.  

I have handled WBT connectors at audio shows and they are incredibly fine, but at a price that would bust my audio budget.  Furutech seems to have some more affordable connectors with high purity metals.  I am sure that there are banana connectors available that hit a sweet spot between price and performance and would value any insights you lads might willing to provide.  Thanks, Mark

whitestix
toddverrone's avatar
toddverrone
840 posts
 
I used to agree with the preference for spades, but the new BFA bananas (suggested by reubent and others above) offer better and more contact with the binding post than spades. I’m incredibly happy with the audioquest SureGrip100 BFA/Banana (Silver). They are crimp on connectors and form an excellent bond with the cables, much better than set screws. So between the stronger, larger contact with the binding post and the solid crimp connection with the cables, these connectors (or any other connector of this design) offer an extremely solid connection between the amp and speakers. They are also inexpensive, which is a big plus. Regarding auxinput's worry about getting 10 awg cables into the connectors, I wouldn't worry. My cables are 9 awg and I was JUST able to get every strand into the connector, though, being made from cat 5 cable, the conductor strands are rather stiff.
whitestix OP
721 posts
 
Todd, et.al,
Thanks for the input from you.  I am thinking I will plunk down a few shekels for the AQ connectors you have recommended.   I am with Todd on the utility of banana connectors over spades.  The GLS connectors, in spite of their purposed ability to be able to be expanded once plugged into the female jacks is ineffectively executed and leaves the connection poorly secured.  Again, thanks for the input from you fellas.  Mark

oregonpapa's avatar
oregonpapa
4,867 posts
 
I've had good results with Cardas copper banana plugs while bi wiring at the amp end. Same success with Cardas binding posts at the speakers. 
lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,582 posts
 
Since the header say, top notch connectors, here is my recommendation - 

WBT's
Furutech
Cardas

For your cables, Cardas copper or silver will yield best results within your 'budget'. 

Enjoy!
whitestix OP
721 posts
 
Gents,
Thanks for the additional recommendations.  I just looked into the Cardas connectors and they have a vast array of them available.  I ran with Todd's recommendation and ordered a set of the AQ jacks for what I recall was $38.  Thanks again for your input.  

This AG forum has been an invaluable source of information on my quest for sonic excellence over the years and it is the good will of lads like you sharing your knowledge that moves me in the right direction.  Cheers, Mark
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