Why terminate speaker wire?


I'm apparently missing the point so can some knowledgeable person please explain why speaker wire termination is used?

It seems bare wire directly connected to the speaker / amp inputs / outputs would provide better current transfer than inserting two /  four  connections (one on each end) into the stream..  If the wire is to large to go into the connector or the speaker wire is being changed out all the time I could see it  and if bare wire is too hard to use couldn't just tinning the ends with silver solder be the best connection?

 

128x128danager

Showing 1 response by ryder

In my case, it is not so much about oxidation with bare wire connection to speaker binding posts. It’s the tightness of the connection that isn’t good in comparison to banana plugs. Over time, the connection with bare wires will become loose, resulting in a poor sound quality.

I recall my system sounding considerably off at one point of time. I checked all cabling and the rack to see if the power cords are touching the interconnects and speaker cables. I later found the culprit - the connection at the speaker terminals was loose as I could turn the nut to complete one full circle before it’s tight again. Yes, a full 360 degrees circle which is crazy. After the nuts were tightened at all binding posts, it’s all glory again.

After that incident, all my speaker cables come terminated with spades or bananas. Banana plugs are my favourite. The connection with terminated speaker cables will not become loose with time. It’s tight and secure. It is also much easier and convenient to use terminated wires than bare wires, and they look better too. Lastly, all good speaker cables come factory terminated.