Cables for rear surrounds

gdnrbob,

I've had the opposite experience. I've never experienced an issue with BFA connectors. I've used 5-6 different ones, all the low mass type without fancy screw-on collars,etc. I've never had one bend or break and I've never had one fall out or even become loose. I can't say the same about spades. I've had them come loose on several occasions. 

I can't speak for all of the various manufacturers of BFA type banana connectors. But the ones I've used, starting with Nordost Z-Plugs, have been rock solid.

The only time I would choose spades over BFA bananas is if I had to place the speaker directly against the wall. BFAs require a couple of inches of clearance for most speakers.

suncore,

If you have the ability to solder, you might want to try these:

https://www.dysonaudio.com/products/new-dyson-audio-24k-beryllium-copper-low-mass-bfa-z-plug-bananas...

I've used similar, and they are awesome! Nordost Z-plugs are essentially the same as these and they are used on multi-thousand dollar speaker cables.

If you have to terminate the ends anyway, you might as well trim off what you don't need. Just trim off the same amount from each side (not that it likely matters). If they are factory terminated, don't worry about it.16 Gauge will be fine. And if you are terminating them yourself, use BFA style banana plugs. They are inexpensive and AWESOME!