Using non-terminated speaker wire?

Thing is perhaps the voicing of cable and connector are spot on, may be changing voicing without them. Oxidation another concern so you tin them with solder, solder can change the voicing. When you think about all the dissimilar metal used in cabling and connectors really is a complex issue. Personally I rather like most of my cabling with rhodium connectors, voicing of system based on that, really no upkeep with rhodium. I do use bare wire connection with my Rel subs.

rhodium layer delaminates easily.. I only rely on well recognized connector manufacturers like Neutrik/Furutech etc.. 

Quality plating of any kind doesn't delaminate easily.

I don't know if Rhodium delaminates easily but it's a bad choice for low conductivity and hardness.  The low conductivity is self-explanatory.  The hardness means it's harder to grip.  Softer metals deform under pressure and provide better contact.

China “fakes” a lot of recent interconnect technology development, by plating over incompatible metal.. I see cracks and delaminated plating in the  couple of Rhodium plated, very nice looking china’s own brands.. Japanese OEMs like Furutech have much better process, no issues with those..cost more tho