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Speaker Cable Banana Plug Breakage

Hi Folks,
I could seriously use some help with a banana plug issue. The thin gold plated pieces that splay apart on the end of my banana plug have broken off and now, I'm having some conductivity issues. I used a test CD and there is obviously a reason for concern. These are older Hi Diamond speaker cables and while they sound wonderful, the build quality might leave a little to be desired. Right now, the banana plug end is a minuscule gold pointed spear and I'wondering if there isn't something that I could do without causing a sound contrast between the two speakers? I'm pretty certain that Cullen Cables can help me with his issue but I need to buy myself some time before having them properly repaired. Any help would be greatly appreciated,
Thanks!
128x128goofyfoot
goofyfoot's avatar
goofyfoot OP
1,384 posts
 
Thanks todd & dhal. I wouldn't totally discount bare wire but am unsure how to remove the banana plugs. I did receive a response from HiDiamond but my Italian is till so there's a slight communication issue. This is essentially the advice I got,
'Please send photo. If the problem is the final plug , your possible buy other banana and change. The bananas are normally forgotten on the wire and not solder.'
goofyfoot's avatar
goofyfoot OP
1,384 posts
 
There is a way to remove the front of the banana plug by unscrewing a silver ring. This will expose the two screws holding the plug to the wire. I'll take the screws apart and attach the bare wire to the post. The important thing is not to make contact with the other terminal. Much appreciation to HIDiamond for their customer service.
toddverrone's avatar
toddverrone
840 posts
 
Well done. They’re just wires, but when they’re expensive and you’ve no idea how they’re terminated, it can seem difficult. If you ever need to reterminate, you may consider a good pair of wire cutting/stripping pliers. They’ll allow you to cut the cable, then strip off the insulation, exposing a clean, pristine section of wire with which to connect.
goofyfoot's avatar
goofyfoot OP
1,384 posts
 
Thanks todd. I'll trust your advice and try connecting the cables to BFA banana plugs. My thought is that once I get down to the screws, there should be enough cable to avoid stripping or cutting. I'm very apprehensive about removing shielding, etc...as these cables are expensive. I'm currently at work however I'll try to bare the wire in a few hours. 
perfectpathtech's avatar
perfectpathtech
236 posts
 
goofyfoot

Your gut instincts were correct, while just about anyone can solder, making a high quality audio solder connection or even a mechanical one
takes some practice, and despite what others may say there is a white paper available about the whole bare wire vs a high quality termination.

The point of my response is when your ready
to have them fixed it, I would be willing to re-terminate them for you
for free, soldered or mechanical connection. If soldered I use Cardas.
Sounds like you really like them, I wouldn't mind helping out a fellow member! 
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