Spades vs. Banana plugs ??

First I prefer bare wire (no connectors means one less element, one less point of failure, and one less expense, so it's a win-win). As always watch for stray strands, and don't tin the wire ends because that greatly reduces the contact area that a properly crushed wire provides.

Next, BFA style bananas (see below).

A couple things I always low-key wondered about: 

- As said above, a proper connection is crimped first. Then solder of the appropriate quality may be flowed into it, maximizing mechanical and electrical properties. Why then do so many bananas and spades, including audiophile-quality ones, hold onto the cable with set screws?

- What happened to old-fashioned ring connectors and nut-and-bolt posts? They provide superior clamping force, and ring connectors aren't slipping off or pulling out ever. Seems they would make sense when cable gauge, stiffness, and weight are on the rise.

The dialogue on the "best" way to connect wire to speakers has been a dynamic one as long as I can remember.  I caught the "hi-fi" bug from my dad and an uncle back in the 60s. and have been enjoying it ever since.  Dad liked to keep it simple and connected the bare wires after tinning just the tips to prevent fraying.  Uncle preferred to terminate his speakers wire with spade connectors.  I have used all these methods including various types of banana plugs over the years depending on what I had on hand in my modest "bench stock".  Currently I use banana plugs on the amplifier rear panel and bare wire or spades on my speakers.  Just a personal preference as this is one of many subjective areas in our hobby and is a choice that is predicated on what you like.  I did add a selection of speaker terminals to my stock so that I can indulge my quirks.

If the cable is dense and you don’t plan on moving the speakers anytime soon: Spades, Well tightened.

If the wire is not too heavy, the best contact is bare wire, tinned at the tip so it does  not fray.

If you move stuff around frequently: Bananas, but make sure they are a tight fit.

But if you have no bananas, the other two alternatives will be fine but less convenient.

https://silversolids.com/

I had bananas.  The weight of the cables broke those. Sent in and had spades installed. They did not stay tight.  I am now using Rhodium coated 45° banana.   They also have a knurled knob on a pin that goes into the spade and expands the 3 piece spade.  You couldn't pull them if you wanted! 

I like spades most of the time. If it’s a stiff cable and there is stress on the insert position they will come loose and potentially cause a short. That’s the downside to me. I check them occasionally and give them a firm twist.