Speaker Cable Terminations

You are asking too much, it seems to me, especially with your vague reference to "effective but inexpensive". There are many different approaches to all the questions you ask, with each cable manufacturer having slightly differing philosophies. My own feeling is that crimped spades are the most popular method, but my advice to you is to experiment for yourself, and decide what seems best.

My belief is that cable termination is a convenience feature, so you choose the type that you like best. I prefer soldered bananas because they are easy to connect and (with the right plugs) don't come loose. Some people like spades. Some people like to crimp. I think that crimped terminations fall apart too easy (except maybe with the $100 WBT connectors). Just choose what you like best and don't worry about it.

If you get aftermarket cables, many come preterminated from the factory. Even if you buy bulk wire like Kimber Kable, the dealer should terminate them with the connectors you choose to buy. (Unless they are lazy cheap bastards, which many dealers have become).

Ernio...you sound like a college prof. asking an exam question. Please fill out the blue book entirely in neat legible blue ink only. Get on the web, buy some WBT connectors and some Monster and Kimber stuff. Get a soldering Iron, some tools some wire etc. and have fun! There are several sites offering do it yourself info on cables and terminations. Read a lot first and then take the plunge! That is how I did it. It may not be right, but it worked for me because I had FUN doing it.