Why terminate speaker wire?

I've tried both bare wire and many types of terminations over the years. My experience mirrors the varied responses in this thread, Downside of terminations could be dissimilar metals, but could be upside as well in that one could flavor to taste.

tonywinga argument makes sense of terminations.

Seems solid core vs. litz wire would make difference as well, bare solid core would make great contact, litz not so good. Bare litz core always gets discombobulated and spread all over the place when cinching down on terminals, hard to keep twisted.

Gas tight low mass = great connection as @tonywinga  above astutely understand. I good ratchet crimper is excellent or a Stakeon. Solder and heat shrink are your friends also. Cardas and wonder solder are my preference. I also am a fan of ring terminals for speaker connection. Finally a super beefy Cardas connector and amp and speaker make an excellent upgrade.

for those anguished about an extra connection but running speaker wires of > 6-8’ you are doing yourself a sonic injustice… but I guess that’s another topic…

FTR:  Silver oxidizes so most silver looking copper wire is actually tinned.

@danager 

Compared to bare wiring I think a well made terminated connection offers the most consistent and largest surface area.  Consider a crimped on / cold welded spade.  You have 100% of the wire coming into contact with the spade, and then the very large surface area of the spade makes the contact with the speaker terminal. 

According to Benchmark, their testing showed speakon was the best followed by locking banana. I wish all cables were speakon from a use standpoint. My cables are for too heavy for spades.  

Most people, though not all, prefer to make love with their clothes off for the best connection. Others think it makes no difference.