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More to learn the skill rather than doing it for performance/snobbery reasons, just want to see how easy/hard it'd be to crimp speaker cable to the banana plugs in a nice non-botched way. Then I can revert to the screw-locked ones with a smug satisfaction I 'could' do it if I wanted.
Obvious plugs and speaker cable are required.
Presumably a suitable crimping tool is required as well - any recommendations?
Obviously it'd be directional speaker cable so I'm going to need some directional crimping tools and some unicorn tears 😛
Solder.
Pretty much any crimping tool you want, I have this one in my tool box that I've used for years:
But also have this one:
The draper one does the job, but I prefer the ratchet less one and it's easier if you are crimping on to short tails that are already in place (like cars etc)
I crimped one out earlier, does that count?
I crimped one out earlier, does that count?
Was it directional?
Was it directional?
'out' would hopefully mean it was an output rather than an input 😉
solder is the best option, tin lead for positive and lead free for the negative, this "pulls" the direction better thus giving better sound.
Pretty sure that crimping followed by a surrounding solder is the best option.
A mate had cables made up for a surround system which had the plugs hydraulically crimped onto the cables, QED if I recall correctly, and the joint was completely airtight, but it needed a nifty bit of kit to do it.
I'd just strip the cables, solder them to the plugs then paint over the joint with nail varnish to stop any oxidisation, before putting the covers back on.
These plugs ought to do the trick, along with QED cables, most cost effective solution:
http://www.futureshop.co.uk/qed-screwloc-abs-4mm-banana-plug-4-pack-p-995.html?osCsid=acmvrpsih6vl9c6ac3tdn68f40#.VFAaSIiQGK0
http://www.futureshop.co.uk/qed-79-strand-speaker-cable-custom-length-p-2710.html#.VFAb-oiQGK0
Can't go wrong with 79-strand.
solder can be a pretty dodgy connection if not done properly so I think turnerguy is correct.Pretty sure that crimping followed by a surrounding solder is the best option.
an output rather than an input
Some people enjoy using them in both directions.