Convenience Aside- Connectors or Not For Speaker Cable?

[James Edward]

I am currently using Supra speaker cable- multi stranded copper that is tinned throughout the cable, not just at the ends. I use some screw on bananas for convenience, but I believe I could bareback it without the bananas. I know some cables are better off with connectors and shrink tube to prevent oxidation- the Supras do not have this issue though.
Has this ever been verified- is the signal  somehow 'purer' without the banana or spade? Mine are nothing special- simply two set screws on a gold plated banana- not soldered, welded, etc.
I know that try it and see is the right answer, but the amp and cabinet get heavier by the day. Speaker end is no problem... Just wondering if anyone's had an epiphany or 'meh' moment about this.

[P.I.]

I am currently using Supra speaker cable- multi stranded copper that is tinned throughout the cable, not just at the ends. I use some screw on bananas for convenience, but I believe I could bareback it without the bananas. I know some cables are better off with connectors and shrink tube to prevent oxidation- the Supras do not have this issue though.
Has this ever been verified- is the signal  somehow 'purer' without the banana or spade? Mine are nothing special- simply two set screws on a gold plated banana- not soldered, welded, etc.
I know that try it and see is the right answer, but the amp and cabinet get heavier by the day. Speaker end is no problem... Just wondering if anyone's had an epiphany or 'meh' moment about this.

General observations, YMMV, blah, blah, blah...

OK, got that out of the way.

The best connector is no connector, when possible.  Connectors are just another thing (more, actually) to get in the way of the straight wire with gain target.  Different materials, often poor ones, steel screws, oxidation,  high mass components, platings... they are all impediments to a continuous, contiguous flow from point A to point B.  All too often it ends up A to Z.

If I have robust amp and speaker connectors I prefer to make sure the bare wire is very clean and unoxidized, treat them with an oxidization inhibitor and then tighten the connectors as tight as possible.  I do this 2-3 times with a couple of minutes between tightenings.  The wire will cold flow a bit between tightening and letting the wire rest let's the wire get happy with each tightening.  What we are looking for is an air tight or excluding connection to eliminate oxidation.

On the other end (pun) of the equation if the connectors aren't conducive to this method, I choose the simplest, lowest mass connectors possible and make sure that they are also treated with oxide eliminating compounds.  For banana style connectors the Nordost and GR Research Tube Connectors are my go to choices. 

I am certainly not a fan of any spade connector that uses grab screws.  If at all possible a crimped cold weld is desirable.  If one must solder, use the best solder possible.  Solder is an entirely different conversation...

[rollo]

  In a nutshell, what Dave said NO Connector is the best way to go. Be tinned an occasional cleaning. lose the connectors.


charles

[James Edward]

Will do. Thanks

[Jack]

Dueland recommends bare wire on their cable which is a similar makeup.

[S Clark]

A few years back I simply ran an extra foot of wire out the back of my speakers, then used plastic wire nuts to connect to the speaker cable.  I even added a dab of dielectric grease to "seal" the connection from air. 
Works well, but not for those that are always fiddling with their gear. 

[James Edward]

Well... It's not to be on the speaker end. The binding posts are not made for 9 gauge wire- and they don't seem suited to bare wire at all. I also have to insert my Walker HDL's, which I don't want to be without.
https://walkeraudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Reference-HDL-Instructions.pdf
I'll have to find something else to mess with now.