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#1
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speaker wire connector and tool
I am building a new home and having my electrician lay in 16 gauge
speaker wire. However, he will not install connectors to the wire. I am somewhat mechanically inclined and would like to install crimped (no solder), gold plated pin or banana connectors to ensure good long term connectivity at the interfaces. I am using new Boston Acoustics speakers and a new Yamaha AV receiver for my surround sound system. I would appreciate it if the group could recommend a brand and type connector and tool to use, and a good source for purchasing them. |
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#2
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speaker wire connector and tool
Howdego wrote:
I am building a new home and having my electrician lay in 16 gauge speaker wire. However, he will not install connectors to the wire. I am somewhat mechanically inclined and would like to install crimped (no solder), gold plated pin or banana connectors to ensure good long term connectivity at the interfaces. I am using new Boston Acoustics speakers and a new Yamaha AV receiver for my surround sound system. I would appreciate it if the group could recommend a brand and type connector and tool to use, and a good source for purchasing them. It probably makes little difference on the brand/type but keep in mind that solder makes the best connections. |
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#3
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speaker wire connector and tool
Howdego wrote:
I am building a new home and having my electrician lay in 16 gauge speaker wire. However, he will not install connectors to the wire. I am somewhat mechanically inclined and would like to install crimped (no solder), gold plated pin or banana connectors to ensure good long term connectivity at the interfaces. I am using new Boston Acoustics speakers and a new Yamaha AV receiver for my surround sound system. I would appreciate it if the group could recommend a brand and type connector and tool to use, and a good source for purchasing them. It probably makes little difference on the brand/type but keep in mind that solder makes the best connections. |
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#4
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speaker wire connector and tool
Howdego wrote:
I am building a new home and having my electrician lay in 16 gauge speaker wire. However, he will not install connectors to the wire. I am somewhat mechanically inclined and would like to install crimped (no solder), gold plated pin or banana connectors to ensure good long term connectivity at the interfaces. I am using new Boston Acoustics speakers and a new Yamaha AV receiver for my surround sound system. I would appreciate it if the group could recommend a brand and type connector and tool to use, and a good source for purchasing them. It probably makes little difference on the brand/type but keep in mind that solder makes the best connections. |
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#5
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speaker wire connector and tool
Howdego wrote:
I am building a new home and having my electrician lay in 16 gauge speaker wire. However, he will not install connectors to the wire. I am somewhat mechanically inclined and would like to install crimped (no solder), gold plated pin or banana connectors to ensure good long term connectivity at the interfaces. I am using new Boston Acoustics speakers and a new Yamaha AV receiver for my surround sound system. I would appreciate it if the group could recommend a brand and type connector and tool to use, and a good source for purchasing them. It probably makes little difference on the brand/type but keep in mind that solder makes the best connections. |
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#6
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speaker wire connector and tool
On Tue, 23 Mar 2004 15:18:28 GMT, Robert Gault
wrote: Howdego wrote: I am building a new home and having my electrician lay in 16 gauge speaker wire. However, he will not install connectors to the wire. I am somewhat mechanically inclined and would like to install crimped (no solder), gold plated pin or banana connectors to ensure good long term connectivity at the interfaces. I am using new Boston Acoustics speakers and a new Yamaha AV receiver for my surround sound system. I would appreciate it if the group could recommend a brand and type connector and tool to use, and a good source for purchasing them. It probably makes little difference on the brand/type but keep in mind that solder makes the best connections. And pressure helps, so I would avoid banana connectors unless they are expandable. I prefer spade lugs anyway. Kal |
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#7
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speaker wire connector and tool
On Tue, 23 Mar 2004 15:18:28 GMT, Robert Gault
wrote: Howdego wrote: I am building a new home and having my electrician lay in 16 gauge speaker wire. However, he will not install connectors to the wire. I am somewhat mechanically inclined and would like to install crimped (no solder), gold plated pin or banana connectors to ensure good long term connectivity at the interfaces. I am using new Boston Acoustics speakers and a new Yamaha AV receiver for my surround sound system. I would appreciate it if the group could recommend a brand and type connector and tool to use, and a good source for purchasing them. It probably makes little difference on the brand/type but keep in mind that solder makes the best connections. And pressure helps, so I would avoid banana connectors unless they are expandable. I prefer spade lugs anyway. Kal |
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#8
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speaker wire connector and tool
On Tue, 23 Mar 2004 15:18:28 GMT, Robert Gault
wrote: Howdego wrote: I am building a new home and having my electrician lay in 16 gauge speaker wire. However, he will not install connectors to the wire. I am somewhat mechanically inclined and would like to install crimped (no solder), gold plated pin or banana connectors to ensure good long term connectivity at the interfaces. I am using new Boston Acoustics speakers and a new Yamaha AV receiver for my surround sound system. I would appreciate it if the group could recommend a brand and type connector and tool to use, and a good source for purchasing them. It probably makes little difference on the brand/type but keep in mind that solder makes the best connections. And pressure helps, so I would avoid banana connectors unless they are expandable. I prefer spade lugs anyway. Kal |
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#9
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speaker wire connector and tool
On Tue, 23 Mar 2004 15:18:28 GMT, Robert Gault
wrote: Howdego wrote: I am building a new home and having my electrician lay in 16 gauge speaker wire. However, he will not install connectors to the wire. I am somewhat mechanically inclined and would like to install crimped (no solder), gold plated pin or banana connectors to ensure good long term connectivity at the interfaces. I am using new Boston Acoustics speakers and a new Yamaha AV receiver for my surround sound system. I would appreciate it if the group could recommend a brand and type connector and tool to use, and a good source for purchasing them. It probably makes little difference on the brand/type but keep in mind that solder makes the best connections. And pressure helps, so I would avoid banana connectors unless they are expandable. I prefer spade lugs anyway. Kal |
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#10
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speaker wire connector and tool
You would be better off with 14 or 12 gauge for speaker wiring. It makes a
difference. For connectors, you will have to purchase the wall types, and solder or use crimp spades to the screws. You should ask the vendor of the wall connectors for the details. They should be able to sell you the necessary options required. You would be best off to hire a tech for this job, if you do not know how to do it. -- Greetings, Jerry Greenberg GLG Technologies GLG ========================================= WebPage http://www.zoom-one.com Electronics http://www.zoom-one.com/electron.htm ========================================= "Howdego" wrote in message m... I am building a new home and having my electrician lay in 16 gauge speaker wire. However, he will not install connectors to the wire. I am somewhat mechanically inclined and would like to install crimped (no solder), gold plated pin or banana connectors to ensure good long term connectivity at the interfaces. I am using new Boston Acoustics speakers and a new Yamaha AV receiver for my surround sound system. I would appreciate it if the group could recommend a brand and type connector and tool to use, and a good source for purchasing them. |
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#11
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speaker wire connector and tool
You would be better off with 14 or 12 gauge for speaker wiring. It makes a
difference. For connectors, you will have to purchase the wall types, and solder or use crimp spades to the screws. You should ask the vendor of the wall connectors for the details. They should be able to sell you the necessary options required. You would be best off to hire a tech for this job, if you do not know how to do it. -- Greetings, Jerry Greenberg GLG Technologies GLG ========================================= WebPage http://www.zoom-one.com Electronics http://www.zoom-one.com/electron.htm ========================================= "Howdego" wrote in message m... I am building a new home and having my electrician lay in 16 gauge speaker wire. However, he will not install connectors to the wire. I am somewhat mechanically inclined and would like to install crimped (no solder), gold plated pin or banana connectors to ensure good long term connectivity at the interfaces. I am using new Boston Acoustics speakers and a new Yamaha AV receiver for my surround sound system. I would appreciate it if the group could recommend a brand and type connector and tool to use, and a good source for purchasing them. |
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#12
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speaker wire connector and tool
You would be better off with 14 or 12 gauge for speaker wiring. It makes a
difference. For connectors, you will have to purchase the wall types, and solder or use crimp spades to the screws. You should ask the vendor of the wall connectors for the details. They should be able to sell you the necessary options required. You would be best off to hire a tech for this job, if you do not know how to do it. -- Greetings, Jerry Greenberg GLG Technologies GLG ========================================= WebPage http://www.zoom-one.com Electronics http://www.zoom-one.com/electron.htm ========================================= "Howdego" wrote in message m... I am building a new home and having my electrician lay in 16 gauge speaker wire. However, he will not install connectors to the wire. I am somewhat mechanically inclined and would like to install crimped (no solder), gold plated pin or banana connectors to ensure good long term connectivity at the interfaces. I am using new Boston Acoustics speakers and a new Yamaha AV receiver for my surround sound system. I would appreciate it if the group could recommend a brand and type connector and tool to use, and a good source for purchasing them. |
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#13
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speaker wire connector and tool
You would be better off with 14 or 12 gauge for speaker wiring. It makes a
difference. For connectors, you will have to purchase the wall types, and solder or use crimp spades to the screws. You should ask the vendor of the wall connectors for the details. They should be able to sell you the necessary options required. You would be best off to hire a tech for this job, if you do not know how to do it. -- Greetings, Jerry Greenberg GLG Technologies GLG ========================================= WebPage http://www.zoom-one.com Electronics http://www.zoom-one.com/electron.htm ========================================= "Howdego" wrote in message m... I am building a new home and having my electrician lay in 16 gauge speaker wire. However, he will not install connectors to the wire. I am somewhat mechanically inclined and would like to install crimped (no solder), gold plated pin or banana connectors to ensure good long term connectivity at the interfaces. I am using new Boston Acoustics speakers and a new Yamaha AV receiver for my surround sound system. I would appreciate it if the group could recommend a brand and type connector and tool to use, and a good source for purchasing them. |
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#14
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speaker wire connector and tool
Robert Gault wrote:
Howdego wrote: I am building a new home and having my electrician lay in 16 gauge speaker wire. However, he will not install connectors to the wire. I am somewhat mechanically inclined and would like to install crimped (no solder), gold plated pin or banana connectors to ensure good long term connectivity at the interfaces. I am using new Boston Acoustics speakers and a new Yamaha AV receiver for my surround sound system. I would appreciate it if the group could recommend a brand and type connector and tool to use, and a good source for purchasing them. It probably makes little difference on the brand/type but keep in mind that solder makes the best connections. I don't think that is necessarily true, if "best" means "highest conductivity" or even "most rugged." In what sense do you think solder is better than crimp, and can you offer some support for your claim? -- The e-mail address in our reply-to line is reversed in an attempt to minimize spam. Our true address is of the form . |
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#15
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speaker wire connector and tool
Robert Gault wrote:
Howdego wrote: I am building a new home and having my electrician lay in 16 gauge speaker wire. However, he will not install connectors to the wire. I am somewhat mechanically inclined and would like to install crimped (no solder), gold plated pin or banana connectors to ensure good long term connectivity at the interfaces. I am using new Boston Acoustics speakers and a new Yamaha AV receiver for my surround sound system. I would appreciate it if the group could recommend a brand and type connector and tool to use, and a good source for purchasing them. It probably makes little difference on the brand/type but keep in mind that solder makes the best connections. I don't think that is necessarily true, if "best" means "highest conductivity" or even "most rugged." In what sense do you think solder is better than crimp, and can you offer some support for your claim? -- The e-mail address in our reply-to line is reversed in an attempt to minimize spam. Our true address is of the form . |
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#16
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speaker wire connector and tool
Robert Gault wrote:
Howdego wrote: I am building a new home and having my electrician lay in 16 gauge speaker wire. However, he will not install connectors to the wire. I am somewhat mechanically inclined and would like to install crimped (no solder), gold plated pin or banana connectors to ensure good long term connectivity at the interfaces. I am using new Boston Acoustics speakers and a new Yamaha AV receiver for my surround sound system. I would appreciate it if the group could recommend a brand and type connector and tool to use, and a good source for purchasing them. It probably makes little difference on the brand/type but keep in mind that solder makes the best connections. I don't think that is necessarily true, if "best" means "highest conductivity" or even "most rugged." In what sense do you think solder is better than crimp, and can you offer some support for your claim? -- The e-mail address in our reply-to line is reversed in an attempt to minimize spam. Our true address is of the form . |
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#17
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speaker wire connector and tool
Robert Gault wrote:
Howdego wrote: I am building a new home and having my electrician lay in 16 gauge speaker wire. However, he will not install connectors to the wire. I am somewhat mechanically inclined and would like to install crimped (no solder), gold plated pin or banana connectors to ensure good long term connectivity at the interfaces. I am using new Boston Acoustics speakers and a new Yamaha AV receiver for my surround sound system. I would appreciate it if the group could recommend a brand and type connector and tool to use, and a good source for purchasing them. It probably makes little difference on the brand/type but keep in mind that solder makes the best connections. I don't think that is necessarily true, if "best" means "highest conductivity" or even "most rugged." In what sense do you think solder is better than crimp, and can you offer some support for your claim? -- The e-mail address in our reply-to line is reversed in an attempt to minimize spam. Our true address is of the form . |
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#18
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speaker wire connector and tool
CJT wrote:
Robert Gault wrote: Howdego wrote: I am building a new home and having my electrician lay in 16 gauge speaker wire. However, he will not install connectors to the wire. I am somewhat mechanically inclined and would like to install crimped (no solder), gold plated pin or banana connectors to ensure good long term connectivity at the interfaces. I am using new Boston Acoustics speakers and a new Yamaha AV receiver for my surround sound system. I would appreciate it if the group could recommend a brand and type connector and tool to use, and a good source for purchasing them. It probably makes little difference on the brand/type but keep in mind that solder makes the best connections. I don't think that is necessarily true, if "best" means "highest conductivity" or even "most rugged." In what sense do you think solder is better than crimp, and can you offer some support for your claim? -- The e-mail address in our reply-to line is reversed in an attempt to minimize spam. Our true address is of the form . For this application, I'd suggest going with 12 gauge wire. Resistance is the effect that swamps all the other speaker wire effects. Leave the wires unterminated until you actually have something to install. Then have the same connectors that the system uses installed. As for solder versus crimped connectors. Properly done, they both offer excellent conductivity. The problem with crimps is that it is easy to get it wrong, and hard to tell after completion that you got it wrong. Too much crimp pressure, too little, wrong crimp sleeve, using different wire than specified, and so on. Bad solder joints are far easier for the naked eye to spot, and can be fixed usually by just reflowing the solder. Bad crimp you have to cut the whole thing off and start again from scratch. As for mechanical strength, for an in-wall installation, not much is actually needed, and either type done properly is more than adequate. --Dale |
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#19
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speaker wire connector and tool
CJT wrote:
Robert Gault wrote: Howdego wrote: I am building a new home and having my electrician lay in 16 gauge speaker wire. However, he will not install connectors to the wire. I am somewhat mechanically inclined and would like to install crimped (no solder), gold plated pin or banana connectors to ensure good long term connectivity at the interfaces. I am using new Boston Acoustics speakers and a new Yamaha AV receiver for my surround sound system. I would appreciate it if the group could recommend a brand and type connector and tool to use, and a good source for purchasing them. It probably makes little difference on the brand/type but keep in mind that solder makes the best connections. I don't think that is necessarily true, if "best" means "highest conductivity" or even "most rugged." In what sense do you think solder is better than crimp, and can you offer some support for your claim? -- The e-mail address in our reply-to line is reversed in an attempt to minimize spam. Our true address is of the form . For this application, I'd suggest going with 12 gauge wire. Resistance is the effect that swamps all the other speaker wire effects. Leave the wires unterminated until you actually have something to install. Then have the same connectors that the system uses installed. As for solder versus crimped connectors. Properly done, they both offer excellent conductivity. The problem with crimps is that it is easy to get it wrong, and hard to tell after completion that you got it wrong. Too much crimp pressure, too little, wrong crimp sleeve, using different wire than specified, and so on. Bad solder joints are far easier for the naked eye to spot, and can be fixed usually by just reflowing the solder. Bad crimp you have to cut the whole thing off and start again from scratch. As for mechanical strength, for an in-wall installation, not much is actually needed, and either type done properly is more than adequate. --Dale |
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#20
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speaker wire connector and tool
CJT wrote:
Robert Gault wrote: Howdego wrote: I am building a new home and having my electrician lay in 16 gauge speaker wire. However, he will not install connectors to the wire. I am somewhat mechanically inclined and would like to install crimped (no solder), gold plated pin or banana connectors to ensure good long term connectivity at the interfaces. I am using new Boston Acoustics speakers and a new Yamaha AV receiver for my surround sound system. I would appreciate it if the group could recommend a brand and type connector and tool to use, and a good source for purchasing them. It probably makes little difference on the brand/type but keep in mind that solder makes the best connections. I don't think that is necessarily true, if "best" means "highest conductivity" or even "most rugged." In what sense do you think solder is better than crimp, and can you offer some support for your claim? -- The e-mail address in our reply-to line is reversed in an attempt to minimize spam. Our true address is of the form . For this application, I'd suggest going with 12 gauge wire. Resistance is the effect that swamps all the other speaker wire effects. Leave the wires unterminated until you actually have something to install. Then have the same connectors that the system uses installed. As for solder versus crimped connectors. Properly done, they both offer excellent conductivity. The problem with crimps is that it is easy to get it wrong, and hard to tell after completion that you got it wrong. Too much crimp pressure, too little, wrong crimp sleeve, using different wire than specified, and so on. Bad solder joints are far easier for the naked eye to spot, and can be fixed usually by just reflowing the solder. Bad crimp you have to cut the whole thing off and start again from scratch. As for mechanical strength, for an in-wall installation, not much is actually needed, and either type done properly is more than adequate. --Dale |
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#21
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speaker wire connector and tool
CJT wrote:
Robert Gault wrote: Howdego wrote: I am building a new home and having my electrician lay in 16 gauge speaker wire. However, he will not install connectors to the wire. I am somewhat mechanically inclined and would like to install crimped (no solder), gold plated pin or banana connectors to ensure good long term connectivity at the interfaces. I am using new Boston Acoustics speakers and a new Yamaha AV receiver for my surround sound system. I would appreciate it if the group could recommend a brand and type connector and tool to use, and a good source for purchasing them. It probably makes little difference on the brand/type but keep in mind that solder makes the best connections. I don't think that is necessarily true, if "best" means "highest conductivity" or even "most rugged." In what sense do you think solder is better than crimp, and can you offer some support for your claim? -- The e-mail address in our reply-to line is reversed in an attempt to minimize spam. Our true address is of the form . For this application, I'd suggest going with 12 gauge wire. Resistance is the effect that swamps all the other speaker wire effects. Leave the wires unterminated until you actually have something to install. Then have the same connectors that the system uses installed. As for solder versus crimped connectors. Properly done, they both offer excellent conductivity. The problem with crimps is that it is easy to get it wrong, and hard to tell after completion that you got it wrong. Too much crimp pressure, too little, wrong crimp sleeve, using different wire than specified, and so on. Bad solder joints are far easier for the naked eye to spot, and can be fixed usually by just reflowing the solder. Bad crimp you have to cut the whole thing off and start again from scratch. As for mechanical strength, for an in-wall installation, not much is actually needed, and either type done properly is more than adequate. --Dale |
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#22
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speaker wire connector and tool
Dale Farmer wrote:
CJT wrote: Robert Gault wrote: Howdego wrote: I am building a new home and having my electrician lay in 16 gauge speaker wire. However, he will not install connectors to the wire. I am somewhat mechanically inclined and would like to install crimped (no solder), gold plated pin or banana connectors to ensure good long term connectivity at the interfaces. I am using new Boston Acoustics speakers and a new Yamaha AV receiver for my surround sound system. I would appreciate it if the group could recommend a brand and type connector and tool to use, and a good source for purchasing them. It probably makes little difference on the brand/type but keep in mind that solder makes the best connections. I don't think that is necessarily true, if "best" means "highest conductivity" or even "most rugged." In what sense do you think solder is better than crimp, and can you offer some support for your claim? -- The e-mail address in our reply-to line is reversed in an attempt to minimize spam. Our true address is of the form . For this application, I'd suggest going with 12 gauge wire. Resistance is the effect that swamps all the other speaker wire effects. Leave the wires unterminated until you actually have something to install. Then have the same connectors that the system uses installed. As for solder versus crimped connectors. Properly done, they both offer excellent conductivity. True. The problem with crimps is that it is easy to get it wrong, and hard to tell after completion that you got it wrong. Too much crimp pressure, too little, wrong crimp sleeve, using different wire than specified, and so on. Bad solder joints are far easier for the naked eye to spot, and can be fixed usually by just reflowing the solder. Bad crimp you have to cut the whole thing off and start again from scratch. Bad solder joints CAN be easier for a TRAINED EYE to spot, but can easily escape detection by a casual observer. I think it's too close to call on that issue. The solder itself introduces some resistance which won't be present in a gas-tight crimp. As for mechanical strength, for an in-wall installation, not much is actually needed, and either type done properly is more than adequate. True. --Dale -- The e-mail address in our reply-to line is reversed in an attempt to minimize spam. Our true address is of the form . |
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#23
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speaker wire connector and tool
Dale Farmer wrote:
CJT wrote: Robert Gault wrote: Howdego wrote: I am building a new home and having my electrician lay in 16 gauge speaker wire. However, he will not install connectors to the wire. I am somewhat mechanically inclined and would like to install crimped (no solder), gold plated pin or banana connectors to ensure good long term connectivity at the interfaces. I am using new Boston Acoustics speakers and a new Yamaha AV receiver for my surround sound system. I would appreciate it if the group could recommend a brand and type connector and tool to use, and a good source for purchasing them. It probably makes little difference on the brand/type but keep in mind that solder makes the best connections. I don't think that is necessarily true, if "best" means "highest conductivity" or even "most rugged." In what sense do you think solder is better than crimp, and can you offer some support for your claim? -- The e-mail address in our reply-to line is reversed in an attempt to minimize spam. Our true address is of the form . For this application, I'd suggest going with 12 gauge wire. Resistance is the effect that swamps all the other speaker wire effects. Leave the wires unterminated until you actually have something to install. Then have the same connectors that the system uses installed. As for solder versus crimped connectors. Properly done, they both offer excellent conductivity. True. The problem with crimps is that it is easy to get it wrong, and hard to tell after completion that you got it wrong. Too much crimp pressure, too little, wrong crimp sleeve, using different wire than specified, and so on. Bad solder joints are far easier for the naked eye to spot, and can be fixed usually by just reflowing the solder. Bad crimp you have to cut the whole thing off and start again from scratch. Bad solder joints CAN be easier for a TRAINED EYE to spot, but can easily escape detection by a casual observer. I think it's too close to call on that issue. The solder itself introduces some resistance which won't be present in a gas-tight crimp. As for mechanical strength, for an in-wall installation, not much is actually needed, and either type done properly is more than adequate. True. --Dale -- The e-mail address in our reply-to line is reversed in an attempt to minimize spam. Our true address is of the form . |
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#24
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speaker wire connector and tool
Dale Farmer wrote:
CJT wrote: Robert Gault wrote: Howdego wrote: I am building a new home and having my electrician lay in 16 gauge speaker wire. However, he will not install connectors to the wire. I am somewhat mechanically inclined and would like to install crimped (no solder), gold plated pin or banana connectors to ensure good long term connectivity at the interfaces. I am using new Boston Acoustics speakers and a new Yamaha AV receiver for my surround sound system. I would appreciate it if the group could recommend a brand and type connector and tool to use, and a good source for purchasing them. It probably makes little difference on the brand/type but keep in mind that solder makes the best connections. I don't think that is necessarily true, if "best" means "highest conductivity" or even "most rugged." In what sense do you think solder is better than crimp, and can you offer some support for your claim? -- The e-mail address in our reply-to line is reversed in an attempt to minimize spam. Our true address is of the form . For this application, I'd suggest going with 12 gauge wire. Resistance is the effect that swamps all the other speaker wire effects. Leave the wires unterminated until you actually have something to install. Then have the same connectors that the system uses installed. As for solder versus crimped connectors. Properly done, they both offer excellent conductivity. True. The problem with crimps is that it is easy to get it wrong, and hard to tell after completion that you got it wrong. Too much crimp pressure, too little, wrong crimp sleeve, using different wire than specified, and so on. Bad solder joints are far easier for the naked eye to spot, and can be fixed usually by just reflowing the solder. Bad crimp you have to cut the whole thing off and start again from scratch. Bad solder joints CAN be easier for a TRAINED EYE to spot, but can easily escape detection by a casual observer. I think it's too close to call on that issue. The solder itself introduces some resistance which won't be present in a gas-tight crimp. As for mechanical strength, for an in-wall installation, not much is actually needed, and either type done properly is more than adequate. True. --Dale -- The e-mail address in our reply-to line is reversed in an attempt to minimize spam. Our true address is of the form . |
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#25
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speaker wire connector and tool
Dale Farmer wrote:
CJT wrote: Robert Gault wrote: Howdego wrote: I am building a new home and having my electrician lay in 16 gauge speaker wire. However, he will not install connectors to the wire. I am somewhat mechanically inclined and would like to install crimped (no solder), gold plated pin or banana connectors to ensure good long term connectivity at the interfaces. I am using new Boston Acoustics speakers and a new Yamaha AV receiver for my surround sound system. I would appreciate it if the group could recommend a brand and type connector and tool to use, and a good source for purchasing them. It probably makes little difference on the brand/type but keep in mind that solder makes the best connections. I don't think that is necessarily true, if "best" means "highest conductivity" or even "most rugged." In what sense do you think solder is better than crimp, and can you offer some support for your claim? -- The e-mail address in our reply-to line is reversed in an attempt to minimize spam. Our true address is of the form . For this application, I'd suggest going with 12 gauge wire. Resistance is the effect that swamps all the other speaker wire effects. Leave the wires unterminated until you actually have something to install. Then have the same connectors that the system uses installed. As for solder versus crimped connectors. Properly done, they both offer excellent conductivity. True. The problem with crimps is that it is easy to get it wrong, and hard to tell after completion that you got it wrong. Too much crimp pressure, too little, wrong crimp sleeve, using different wire than specified, and so on. Bad solder joints are far easier for the naked eye to spot, and can be fixed usually by just reflowing the solder. Bad crimp you have to cut the whole thing off and start again from scratch. Bad solder joints CAN be easier for a TRAINED EYE to spot, but can easily escape detection by a casual observer. I think it's too close to call on that issue. The solder itself introduces some resistance which won't be present in a gas-tight crimp. As for mechanical strength, for an in-wall installation, not much is actually needed, and either type done properly is more than adequate. True. --Dale -- The e-mail address in our reply-to line is reversed in an attempt to minimize spam. Our true address is of the form . |
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#26
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speaker wire connector and tool
Robert Gault wrote:
It probably makes little difference on the brand/type but keep in mind that solder makes the best connections. "CJT" wrote ... I don't think that is necessarily true, if "best" means "highest conductivity" or even "most rugged." In what sense do you think solder is better than crimp, and can you offer some support for your claim? In addition to the other arguments, note that in this particular case Mr. Howdego is asking questions that would appear to indicate that he has no previous experience (or tools) to make crimp connections. From personal experience cleaning up the messes left by others, I would recommend soldering in a case like this. |
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#27
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speaker wire connector and tool
Robert Gault wrote:
It probably makes little difference on the brand/type but keep in mind that solder makes the best connections. "CJT" wrote ... I don't think that is necessarily true, if "best" means "highest conductivity" or even "most rugged." In what sense do you think solder is better than crimp, and can you offer some support for your claim? In addition to the other arguments, note that in this particular case Mr. Howdego is asking questions that would appear to indicate that he has no previous experience (or tools) to make crimp connections. From personal experience cleaning up the messes left by others, I would recommend soldering in a case like this. |
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#28
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speaker wire connector and tool
Robert Gault wrote:
It probably makes little difference on the brand/type but keep in mind that solder makes the best connections. "CJT" wrote ... I don't think that is necessarily true, if "best" means "highest conductivity" or even "most rugged." In what sense do you think solder is better than crimp, and can you offer some support for your claim? In addition to the other arguments, note that in this particular case Mr. Howdego is asking questions that would appear to indicate that he has no previous experience (or tools) to make crimp connections. From personal experience cleaning up the messes left by others, I would recommend soldering in a case like this. |
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#29
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speaker wire connector and tool
Robert Gault wrote:
It probably makes little difference on the brand/type but keep in mind that solder makes the best connections. "CJT" wrote ... I don't think that is necessarily true, if "best" means "highest conductivity" or even "most rugged." In what sense do you think solder is better than crimp, and can you offer some support for your claim? In addition to the other arguments, note that in this particular case Mr. Howdego is asking questions that would appear to indicate that he has no previous experience (or tools) to make crimp connections. From personal experience cleaning up the messes left by others, I would recommend soldering in a case like this. |
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#31
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speaker wire connector and tool
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#32
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speaker wire connector and tool
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#33
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speaker wire connector and tool
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#34
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speaker wire connector and tool
In , on 03/23/04
at 07:35 PM, CJT said: Robert Gault wrote: Howdego wrote: I am building a new home and having my electrician lay in 16 gauge speaker wire. However, he will not install connectors to the wire. I am somewhat mechanically inclined and would like to install crimped (no solder), gold plated pin or banana connectors to ensure good long term connectivity at the interfaces. I am using new Boston Acoustics speakers and a new Yamaha AV receiver for my surround sound system. I would appreciate it if the group could recommend a brand and type connector and tool to use, and a good source for purchasing them. It probably makes little difference on the brand/type but keep in mind that solder makes the best connections. I don't think that is necessarily true, if "best" means "highest conductivity" or even "most rugged." In what sense do you think solder is better than crimp, and can you offer some support for your claim? Crimped connections are extremely robust when properly done. This usually means using the tool designed for the terminals you are using. I don't like the simple tools sold at hardware stores. The hardware store tool's jaws have the wrong contour and the amount of force is left up to the user. The better tools have custom jaws that ratchet. Once the crimp is started, the jaws cannot be released until the proper compression is achieved. Soldering makes good, consistent, but fragile connections. You can easily prove this fragility by making crimped and soldered connections on stranded speaker wire, then flex them both (sharply) a few hundred times. If the soldered connection hasn't already broken (at the end of the soldered section) you'll be able to see what will happen before long. The crimped connection has a long way to go. For fixed connections behind the walls and speaker connections that are rarely flexed, I don't think it matters much. Use the technology you are comfortable with and make sure the connections are clean and tight. Unless you intend to plug and unplug your speakers regularly, I don't recommend banana plugs and jacks. Audio stores that do home installations will have an assortment of solutions. Mostly, I use a "telephone plate" (a wall plate with a round hole) and bring the wire directly out to the speaker. This is simple and eliminates a whole layer of connections. The only disadvantage is that the wire will hang out of the plate if the speaker is moved away. If you permanently remove the speaker, push the wire back into the wall and replace the telephone plate with a blank plate. ----------------------------------------------------------- spam: wordgame:123(abc):14 9 20 5 2 9 18 4 at 22 15 9 3 5 14 5 20 dot 3 15 13 (Barry Mann) [sorry about the puzzle, spammers are ruining my mailbox] ----------------------------------------------------------- |
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#35
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speaker wire connector and tool
In , on 03/23/04
at 07:35 PM, CJT said: Robert Gault wrote: Howdego wrote: I am building a new home and having my electrician lay in 16 gauge speaker wire. However, he will not install connectors to the wire. I am somewhat mechanically inclined and would like to install crimped (no solder), gold plated pin or banana connectors to ensure good long term connectivity at the interfaces. I am using new Boston Acoustics speakers and a new Yamaha AV receiver for my surround sound system. I would appreciate it if the group could recommend a brand and type connector and tool to use, and a good source for purchasing them. It probably makes little difference on the brand/type but keep in mind that solder makes the best connections. I don't think that is necessarily true, if "best" means "highest conductivity" or even "most rugged." In what sense do you think solder is better than crimp, and can you offer some support for your claim? Crimped connections are extremely robust when properly done. This usually means using the tool designed for the terminals you are using. I don't like the simple tools sold at hardware stores. The hardware store tool's jaws have the wrong contour and the amount of force is left up to the user. The better tools have custom jaws that ratchet. Once the crimp is started, the jaws cannot be released until the proper compression is achieved. Soldering makes good, consistent, but fragile connections. You can easily prove this fragility by making crimped and soldered connections on stranded speaker wire, then flex them both (sharply) a few hundred times. If the soldered connection hasn't already broken (at the end of the soldered section) you'll be able to see what will happen before long. The crimped connection has a long way to go. For fixed connections behind the walls and speaker connections that are rarely flexed, I don't think it matters much. Use the technology you are comfortable with and make sure the connections are clean and tight. Unless you intend to plug and unplug your speakers regularly, I don't recommend banana plugs and jacks. Audio stores that do home installations will have an assortment of solutions. Mostly, I use a "telephone plate" (a wall plate with a round hole) and bring the wire directly out to the speaker. This is simple and eliminates a whole layer of connections. The only disadvantage is that the wire will hang out of the plate if the speaker is moved away. If you permanently remove the speaker, push the wire back into the wall and replace the telephone plate with a blank plate. ----------------------------------------------------------- spam: wordgame:123(abc):14 9 20 5 2 9 18 4 at 22 15 9 3 5 14 5 20 dot 3 15 13 (Barry Mann) [sorry about the puzzle, spammers are ruining my mailbox] ----------------------------------------------------------- |
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#36
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speaker wire connector and tool
In , on 03/23/04
at 07:35 PM, CJT said: Robert Gault wrote: Howdego wrote: I am building a new home and having my electrician lay in 16 gauge speaker wire. However, he will not install connectors to the wire. I am somewhat mechanically inclined and would like to install crimped (no solder), gold plated pin or banana connectors to ensure good long term connectivity at the interfaces. I am using new Boston Acoustics speakers and a new Yamaha AV receiver for my surround sound system. I would appreciate it if the group could recommend a brand and type connector and tool to use, and a good source for purchasing them. It probably makes little difference on the brand/type but keep in mind that solder makes the best connections. I don't think that is necessarily true, if "best" means "highest conductivity" or even "most rugged." In what sense do you think solder is better than crimp, and can you offer some support for your claim? Crimped connections are extremely robust when properly done. This usually means using the tool designed for the terminals you are using. I don't like the simple tools sold at hardware stores. The hardware store tool's jaws have the wrong contour and the amount of force is left up to the user. The better tools have custom jaws that ratchet. Once the crimp is started, the jaws cannot be released until the proper compression is achieved. Soldering makes good, consistent, but fragile connections. You can easily prove this fragility by making crimped and soldered connections on stranded speaker wire, then flex them both (sharply) a few hundred times. If the soldered connection hasn't already broken (at the end of the soldered section) you'll be able to see what will happen before long. The crimped connection has a long way to go. For fixed connections behind the walls and speaker connections that are rarely flexed, I don't think it matters much. Use the technology you are comfortable with and make sure the connections are clean and tight. Unless you intend to plug and unplug your speakers regularly, I don't recommend banana plugs and jacks. Audio stores that do home installations will have an assortment of solutions. Mostly, I use a "telephone plate" (a wall plate with a round hole) and bring the wire directly out to the speaker. This is simple and eliminates a whole layer of connections. The only disadvantage is that the wire will hang out of the plate if the speaker is moved away. If you permanently remove the speaker, push the wire back into the wall and replace the telephone plate with a blank plate. ----------------------------------------------------------- spam: wordgame:123(abc):14 9 20 5 2 9 18 4 at 22 15 9 3 5 14 5 20 dot 3 15 13 (Barry Mann) [sorry about the puzzle, spammers are ruining my mailbox] ----------------------------------------------------------- |
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#37
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speaker wire connector and tool
In , on 03/23/04
at 07:35 PM, CJT said: Robert Gault wrote: Howdego wrote: I am building a new home and having my electrician lay in 16 gauge speaker wire. However, he will not install connectors to the wire. I am somewhat mechanically inclined and would like to install crimped (no solder), gold plated pin or banana connectors to ensure good long term connectivity at the interfaces. I am using new Boston Acoustics speakers and a new Yamaha AV receiver for my surround sound system. I would appreciate it if the group could recommend a brand and type connector and tool to use, and a good source for purchasing them. It probably makes little difference on the brand/type but keep in mind that solder makes the best connections. I don't think that is necessarily true, if "best" means "highest conductivity" or even "most rugged." In what sense do you think solder is better than crimp, and can you offer some support for your claim? Crimped connections are extremely robust when properly done. This usually means using the tool designed for the terminals you are using. I don't like the simple tools sold at hardware stores. The hardware store tool's jaws have the wrong contour and the amount of force is left up to the user. The better tools have custom jaws that ratchet. Once the crimp is started, the jaws cannot be released until the proper compression is achieved. Soldering makes good, consistent, but fragile connections. You can easily prove this fragility by making crimped and soldered connections on stranded speaker wire, then flex them both (sharply) a few hundred times. If the soldered connection hasn't already broken (at the end of the soldered section) you'll be able to see what will happen before long. The crimped connection has a long way to go. For fixed connections behind the walls and speaker connections that are rarely flexed, I don't think it matters much. Use the technology you are comfortable with and make sure the connections are clean and tight. Unless you intend to plug and unplug your speakers regularly, I don't recommend banana plugs and jacks. Audio stores that do home installations will have an assortment of solutions. Mostly, I use a "telephone plate" (a wall plate with a round hole) and bring the wire directly out to the speaker. This is simple and eliminates a whole layer of connections. The only disadvantage is that the wire will hang out of the plate if the speaker is moved away. If you permanently remove the speaker, push the wire back into the wall and replace the telephone plate with a blank plate. ----------------------------------------------------------- spam: wordgame:123(abc):14 9 20 5 2 9 18 4 at 22 15 9 3 5 14 5 20 dot 3 15 13 (Barry Mann) [sorry about the puzzle, spammers are ruining my mailbox] ----------------------------------------------------------- |
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#38
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speaker wire connector and tool
"Jerry G." wrote in message ...
You would be better off with 14 or 12 gauge for speaker wiring. It makes a difference. For connectors, you will have to purchase the wall types, and solder or use crimp spades to the screws. You should ask the vendor of the wall connectors for the details. They should be able to sell you the necessary options required. You would be best off to hire a tech for this job, if you do not know how to do it. -- Greetings, Jerry Greenberg GLG Technologies GLG ========================================= WebPage http://www.zoom-one.com Electronics http://www.zoom-one.com/electron.htm Wow! The advice in this thread is not even close to the recommendations of the three dedicated audio stores I visited, or even other usenet group postings. Every one suggested I use 16, or maybe 14 gauge wire and gold plated banana plugs for the wire (except a couple said to use pins instead of banana plugs). They said I would not be able to tell the difference between 16 gauge and 14 gauge wire. And they all said to connect the plugs directly to the speakers and receiver. Maybe this was the recommendation because I watch TV 70%/music 30%. Or maybe because my speakers and electronics cost in the $3500 range, not the $6000 area. Do you think these sources are just telling me this to meet a price point, or might their experience tell them that this is all that is needed? Howard ========================================= "Howdego" wrote in message m... I am building a new home and having my electrician lay in 16 gauge speaker wire. However, he will not install connectors to the wire. I am somewhat mechanically inclined and would like to install crimped (no solder), gold plated pin or banana connectors to ensure good long term connectivity at the interfaces. I am using new Boston Acoustics speakers and a new Yamaha AV receiver for my surround sound system. I would appreciate it if the group could recommend a brand and type connector and tool to use, and a good source for purchasing them. |
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#39
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speaker wire connector and tool
"Jerry G." wrote in message ...
You would be better off with 14 or 12 gauge for speaker wiring. It makes a difference. For connectors, you will have to purchase the wall types, and solder or use crimp spades to the screws. You should ask the vendor of the wall connectors for the details. They should be able to sell you the necessary options required. You would be best off to hire a tech for this job, if you do not know how to do it. -- Greetings, Jerry Greenberg GLG Technologies GLG ========================================= WebPage http://www.zoom-one.com Electronics http://www.zoom-one.com/electron.htm Wow! The advice in this thread is not even close to the recommendations of the three dedicated audio stores I visited, or even other usenet group postings. Every one suggested I use 16, or maybe 14 gauge wire and gold plated banana plugs for the wire (except a couple said to use pins instead of banana plugs). They said I would not be able to tell the difference between 16 gauge and 14 gauge wire. And they all said to connect the plugs directly to the speakers and receiver. Maybe this was the recommendation because I watch TV 70%/music 30%. Or maybe because my speakers and electronics cost in the $3500 range, not the $6000 area. Do you think these sources are just telling me this to meet a price point, or might their experience tell them that this is all that is needed? Howard ========================================= "Howdego" wrote in message m... I am building a new home and having my electrician lay in 16 gauge speaker wire. However, he will not install connectors to the wire. I am somewhat mechanically inclined and would like to install crimped (no solder), gold plated pin or banana connectors to ensure good long term connectivity at the interfaces. I am using new Boston Acoustics speakers and a new Yamaha AV receiver for my surround sound system. I would appreciate it if the group could recommend a brand and type connector and tool to use, and a good source for purchasing them. |
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#40
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speaker wire connector and tool
"Jerry G." wrote in message ...
You would be better off with 14 or 12 gauge for speaker wiring. It makes a difference. For connectors, you will have to purchase the wall types, and solder or use crimp spades to the screws. You should ask the vendor of the wall connectors for the details. They should be able to sell you the necessary options required. You would be best off to hire a tech for this job, if you do not know how to do it. -- Greetings, Jerry Greenberg GLG Technologies GLG ========================================= WebPage http://www.zoom-one.com Electronics http://www.zoom-one.com/electron.htm Wow! The advice in this thread is not even close to the recommendations of the three dedicated audio stores I visited, or even other usenet group postings. Every one suggested I use 16, or maybe 14 gauge wire and gold plated banana plugs for the wire (except a couple said to use pins instead of banana plugs). They said I would not be able to tell the difference between 16 gauge and 14 gauge wire. And they all said to connect the plugs directly to the speakers and receiver. Maybe this was the recommendation because I watch TV 70%/music 30%. Or maybe because my speakers and electronics cost in the $3500 range, not the $6000 area. Do you think these sources are just telling me this to meet a price point, or might their experience tell them that this is all that is needed? Howard ========================================= "Howdego" wrote in message m... I am building a new home and having my electrician lay in 16 gauge speaker wire. However, he will not install connectors to the wire. I am somewhat mechanically inclined and would like to install crimped (no solder), gold plated pin or banana connectors to ensure good long term connectivity at the interfaces. I am using new Boston Acoustics speakers and a new Yamaha AV receiver for my surround sound system. I would appreciate it if the group could recommend a brand and type connector and tool to use, and a good source for purchasing them. |
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