Problems with Martin Logan ESL speakers accepting a banana plug?


Purchased Martin Logan ESL speakers and tried to use a banana plug that fits all of my other equipment (Esoteric, Audio Research). When I contacted Martin Logan, I was advised that I may have to use force to get the banana plug into the connection. I had to use such force as nearly bent my speaker wire at the banana plug connection and was only able to engage the banana plug by ~ .125"!!! Purchase pin connectors and attached the spades to the pins and found the pin connectors were far too loose. Interested in what others have tried and/or found to work. Note that these are the lower end ESL’s and not the one’s costing $10K+. Thanks.
128x128jimmydd
Maybe try a different shaped banana plug? Some can be easier than others to work with. Or you could try and Crimp the banana plug your self using a pliers and make it fit!


If they are 5 way binding posts (they should be) you can unscrew the knob and use the spades directly on the post then clamp down with knob, maybe 1/8th of a turn with the pliers to really make them snug.

Matt
I’ve never had a problem using bananas with MLs, but I do own their higher priced line. Don’t try to force connectors if they won’t go with a firm push.

If your speaker cables have spade connectors, I’d use those. Most audiophiles feel that you get a better connection with them although I doubt you’d be able to hear the difference.

Also, if you unscrew the cable connection on your speakers, you should see a hole in the threaded stem. You can slide your pin connectors or bare wires through that hole and tighten down on them, making sure there’s no way the + and - wires can touch one another.  That would cause a short and damage your equipment.
Unfortunately, my ML's only have the push style connectors and I don't think they will unscrew.  Just today, ML has repeated that the banana plugs may only go in 3/8" or less but not to worry.  Haven't thought about putting pliers to the banana plugs as they are fairly expensive speaker wires.  It appears I may need bend the small pins adapters and use them at the top or bottom inserts of the main connection. Then, just use the banana plugs for the AR amp.  Had the spades connected to the amp.
you could go to your local audio shop or electronics shop and get some smaller banana's and solder them on the speaker wires if they fit into your speakers. or you could order some nice binding posts from partxnection and have a shop replace the ML's binding posts. not a big job easy if your handy with a soldering iron.