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Interconnects, speaker wire, power cords. Ask the Cable Guys.

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RE: Best bananas

Posted by Duster on July 5, 2012 at 12:12:33:
Spades are better accepted by audiophiles due to the high torque, large surface area afforded by that type of design. Banana connectors are divided into a number of types: conventional (with a few variations), higher mass locking-type bananas, and BFA connectors (which are not bananas per se but have the same functionality).

Conventional bananas: a metal rod with leaf spring contacts (a few variations thereof).

Locking bananas: a split solid metal prong with a threaded metal rod positioned within the split that's adjusted by a thumb screw in order to provide moderate torque within the banana slot of a binding post.

BFA connector: a rolled hollow metal tube with spring-like flanges located on the edges of the tube.

Available base metals and platings include gold, silver, rhodium (and some are unplated), over tellurium copper, beryllium copper, or brass.

All of these connectors present a characteristic sonic signature that can be selected for system tuning purposes, as well as the convenience of being quick-disconnect capable connectors. What is "the best" will be in the ear of the beholder. However, there are particular make/models that tend to be better appreciated than others, with word of mouth reputation (good or bad) being of great value to smart shoppers...