2. cables
  3. 1163411941

How to Preserve New Shiny Banana Speaker Ends?

I've had the Nordost Blue Heaven speaker cables for more than 5 years now and the banana plugs have lost their shimmering gold finish. I have never cleaned those plugs within these years but just lately bought some Progold cleaners hoping to bring back the glitter but alas...I realized it's too late as oxidation has taken its course. The previously golden plugs now looked a bit black and don't look too good although soundwise is not an issue.

Since I've recently bought a brand new pair of SPM speaker cables, I am hoping to preserve the banana ends to their sparkling gold condition as long as I possibly can. Will cleaning the plugs periodically, say once a month work? I just hate to see them turn black.

Your opinions are much appreciated. Thanks in advance.
ryder

Showing 1 response by newbee

newbee
4,795 posts
 
FWIW. Its my understanding that the only real benefit from using gold (plated) anything is to allow more efficient conductance of current AND to make this effective both surfaces should be gold. So if your speaker connectors are not gold plated its not a 'deal'.

Your bananas are gold plated and what you are probably seeing is a wearing off of the gold plate from use. It could be a build up of gunk but I doubt it.

Also, consider, by adding any lubricants to your connectors you may be inviting the accumulation of gunk.

Personally I focus on keeping the connections as tight and clean as possible. If you are not already doing so consider using locking banana plugs.

FWIW.
More to discover