2. cables
  3. 1163778201

Speaker Cable Termination

Because I have owned Mag 3.6 for awhile I have opted to use bare wire at the speaker/amp terminals. Non-scientifically, it seemed to me that there was no need to introduce something into the signal path that was not necessary. I have used bare wire with Kimber 4TC for over 10 years. As I am looking to upgrade my speaker cable, it seems I now have to consider termination. I say all this to pose the question of termination vs non termination on speaker cable. Thoughts?
xagwell

Showing 3 responses by marakanetz

marakanetz's avatar
marakanetz
5,473 posts
 
I prefere bare wires. It's not realy a brainer to maintain. Just clean them once in a while with the contact cleaner. The crimped termination can also oxidize with time and will need much larger effort to clean.
marakanetz's avatar
marakanetz
5,473 posts
 
Arni,
applying a silver solder to the ends of the bare wires makes no sencei since it decreases the contact conductivity.
The unit resistance of the solder is more than several times higher than any conventional conductor even with the silver content.
marakanetz's avatar
marakanetz
5,473 posts
 
Etran,
I've built up and serviced tons of the circuits you're talking about.
When I connect conductors and circuit elements I ensure the contact of the conductors but not through the solder bubble no matter how nice it looks.
The solder must secure joined conductors but not to act as such so the silver content is only a burden(significantly increases melting temperature) for the technician who does the circuit work and so the quality of a solder joint.
More to discover