Noob ? - Banana Plugs

[andrewski1979]

I just bought some new Monitor 50s (still debating between CS1 or CS2) and some 12awg speaker wire from Monoprice (here: http://www.monoprice.com/products/pr...seq=1&format=2 ). I would also like to get some banana plugs (they are the best way to hookup to your speakers, right?), but I don't know which one to buy. They have two different types, open screw type and closed screw type. What's the difference and which should I get? All help is appreciated!!!

[Johk]

This should answer your questions for the installation part:

Closed screw banana plugs instructions

Open screw banana plugs instructions

Originally Posted by andrewski1979

I would also like to get some banana plugs (they are the best way to hookup to your speakers, right?), but I don't know which one to buy.

Banana plugs are a great way to hook up speaker since it makes it easy to hook/unhook your speakers. However SQ-wise they don't really make a noticeable difference versus bare wire (but if you constantly remove and plug back your speakers, you will most likely damage the strands and you will need to cut a length and start again).

Originally Posted by andrewski1979

They have two different types, open screw type and closed screw type. What's the difference and which should I get?

Get the one that you prefer. Both serve the same purpose. The "closed screw" type can be soldered in for better resistance.

Personally I us open screw for the speakers since the speaker are oriented upwards (close screw would make the cable go up...)

[andrewski1979]

Alright. That's all I needed to know! Thanks a lot Johk!!

[darkblueme]

Are banana plugs plugged into the RCA inputs on a receiver? How do they fit into a speaker?

Good thread, by the way.

[Beta Man]

Originally Posted by darkblueme

Are banana plugs plugged into the RCA inputs on a receiver? How do they fit into a speaker?

Good thread, by the way.

speaker, and speaker terminals.... not RCA.

[BigBluu]

looking at getting one of these type of banana plugs on ebay. which type do you guys think is the better design? i'm just asking for opinions on the type of plug, not the quality, seller, or price. thx!


A: http://cgi.ebay.com/24-PCS-High-Quality-24K-Gold-Plated-Speaker-Banana-Plug


B: http://cgi.ebay.com/24-PCS-100-Nakamichi-Speaker-banana-plug-connector-24k

[JJ]

I've always wanted to ask this question. This should be made almost-sticky. Very helpful information!!

[gearyt]

The first model uses a split connector that loses its spring tension over time
the second model uses leaf springs that will hold tention longer...

[Intamin]

So just ordered some banana plugs from monoprice, and call me any name you want, but when putting in the speaker wire into it, do you need to sheer the covering back and expose the wire or not? I ask because I originally had to as I was just running the wire directly into the receiver, but I'm thinking about getting new wire and was curious. Thanks for putting up with my nubness.

[allstar780]

you will have to strip the wires... everything else depends on the style of banana plugs... theres another thread on the subject...

https://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread...ht=banana+plug

thats the thread

[allstar780]

anybody reccomend some good closed-screw type banana plugs? i was looking at the monster quick-locks at work and I think thats the style i want but even with my discount I'd be spending almost $75 on banana plugs for 5 speakers (2 of them bi-amped)

so thats 7 pairs for the speakers, plus 7 pairs for the receiver... i need 28 banana plugs lol


EDIT: just to clarify... I'm not opposed to spending that much, but I've seen better plugs for that price

[raggarichie]

Originally Posted by allstar780

anybody reccomend some good closed-screw type banana plugs? i was looking at the monster quick-locks at work and I think thats the style i want but even with my discount I'd be spending almost $75 on banana plugs for 5 speakers (2 of them bi-amped)

so thats 7 pairs for the speakers, plus 7 pairs for the receiver... i need 28 banana plugs lol


EDIT: just to clarify... I'm not opposed to spending that much, but I've seen better plugs for that price

I bought 8 pairs(4 packs) at bestbuy day before yesterday for 63.99+tax. they gave me them for 15.99 instead of 19.99. the quick locks. The diffrence they made is unbelieveable

[allstar780]

well pricing is a bit different for me considering how many I need... Any online stores other than monoprice anyone?

[Clark Kent]

The banana plugs from Monoprice are very good quality for the price. I really can't tell the difference from the more expensive retail brands.

[Marquoz]

Just wanted to say thanks for this sticky! I was moving wires around and I was tired of fishing for the hole on my receiver and bought a bunch of banana plugs and this thread was perfect in explaining how to set them up.

[Screefer]

I bought 10 pairs of Nakamichi banana plugs thru eBay from a Hong Kong outfit for $45.00cdn. Delivery was free and took about 10 days. Well worth the wait for that price. Received all in good order.

[Carlsberg19]

I have banana plugs at home just didnt get round to fitting them yet..well i did when i first got them but then i realised you need some sort of super long and thin screwdriver to get at the screws, who the hell has these type of screwdrivers in a typical household?

[Marquoz]

Originally Posted by Carlsberg19

I have banana plugs at home just didnt get round to fitting them yet..well i did when i first got them but then i realised you need some sort of super long and thin screwdriver to get at the screws, who the hell has these type of screwdrivers in a typical household?

Anybody that owns a computer. I've got a set of those and they are wonderful for those mini screws in hard to reach places on computers. It's also great for getting kids toys out of the wretched packaging.

[Driver_King]

Originally Posted by Carlsberg19

I have banana plugs at home just didnt get round to fitting them yet..well i did when i first got them but then i realised you need some sort of super long and thin screwdriver to get at the screws, who the hell has these type of screwdrivers in a typical household?

That's why we have the Dollar Tree.

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by Carlsberg19

I have banana plugs at home just didnt get round to fitting them yet..well i did when i first got them but then i realised you need some sort of super long and thin screwdriver to get at the screws, who the hell has these type of screwdrivers in a typical household?

You can buy them at any electronic store, hardware store, eyeglass store, or online. They are not very expensive.