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WBT Spades -- Crimping needed??

I just purchased some Canare 4S11 cable and am looking to terminate them properly. I'd like to connect the speaker end of the cable with spades (biwire), and so far I've read that WBT make the best spades.

However, it was not clear to me whether I can insert wires directly into the WBT spades or whether I need to insert a sleeve onto the wires before adding on the spades.

I have no crimping tools and am not looking forward to have to purchase any, so any help is appreciated.
uwloian
timo's avatar
timo
610 posts
 
I would not at all say that WBT are the best spades that can be had. However, if you like them then by all means use them.

I feel that maleable gold over copper spades form a better contact when crimped down by the binding post than the stiff, non-maleable spades. Also, soldering bare wire into a spade with quad-eutectic solder makes for the best "non-jointed" connection possible.
jeffloistarca
1,004 posts
 
Get in touch with Rich Moore at WBT:

801-621-1500 or rich@wbtusa.com

you may want to check out their website www.wbtusa.com

I met Rich at CES, helluva nice guy. Best, Jeff
hepl
147 posts
 
You can check the whole procedure of wire preparation, for use with the WBT connectors, at www.partsexpress.com .
They show step by step how to install the connectors. please be advised that you will need to buy the correct
crimp sleeve and special crimping tool.

The connector has two Torx screws, one is a strain relief for the cable and the other one holds the crimp sleeve against the connector. Please be advised that the crimping has to be done using the special tool that WBT sells, you won't be able to get the special shape needed to insert the crimp sleeve/wire assembly into the connector.

The screws used are very small so if you use bare wire inside the connector you won't get a good connection.
Good luck.
mwilson
430 posts
 
Hepl - very good explanation. One thing I can add is that you can buy different size screws. Parts Express sells at least one upsized WBT screw (7mm?) for working with smaller cables. Rich Moore can also get you other sizes - and I agree, he's a very nice and helpful fellow.

At least one store I came across (can't remember which one) will mail you the WBT crimping tool at no charge as a short-term loaner - that's a nice service, since the tool is $50 or so. I ended up buying the tool and a whole bunch of crimp sleeves, and I have been VERY happy, given the number of self-terminated cables I have. I've switched ends around to tailor to different situations, and I really love the convenience the crimp-sleeve WBT connectors offer.
hepl
147 posts
 
Mwilson - You are right about the convenience of the crimp sleeve, one can always change connectors as one upgrades the system. 1/4 spade to 5/16 spade, spade to banana, straight banana to angle banana, etc. I have been using Kimber 8-TC, so far I have changed the amp end twice.
Happy listening.
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