6mm cable plus plugs

[admin_exported]

Hi, Not sure if this is the right place to post. It about HiFi Speaker cables.

I've just ordered some new 6mm UPOFC speaker cable and some Gold bananna plugs for my setup. Does anyone know what would be the best method for connecting the two. What about soldering rather than just screwing the cable in? I'd prefer a strong connection that will last years. Silver or normal solder? Does silver solder conduct better but maybe not be such a strong connection? Any help would be bril.

Cheers🙂

 

[MattSPL]

If the banana plugs are those with the screw down cable clamp, then i wouldn't solder them. Just use something like Deoxit to protect the connection from oxidising.

But if solder is necessary, silver solder would be better

 

[Anonymous]

Okay thanks. Yep, they are screw banana plugs. I needed to find some which accepted 6mm cable. Does it matter which part of the plug you solder to? The actual screw ?

 

[Diamond Joe]

I got some 6mm UPOFC speaker cable today, good stuff, cheapest upgrade I've ever done, very thick though.

I've just used the screws to connect my banana plugs. But if you really have to solder it use silver solder, although I'm finding it quite hard to get used to after years of that lovely lead stuff.

Note to self: invest in some Deoxit - good call MattSPL

 

[MattSPL]

Diamond Joe:
I got some 6mm UPOFC speaker cable today, good stuff, cheapest upgrade I've ever done, very thick though.

I've just used the screws to connect my banana plugs. But if you really have to solder it use silver solder, although I'm finding it quite hard to get used to after years of that lovely lead stuff.

Note to self: invest in some Deoxit - good call MattSPL

No worries.

@Inter 84, sounds like you don't need to solder, but if you intend doing it, screwing the cable in place then just sealing around it should be fine. Although i don't know how well the solder will take to the gold plating on the banana plugs.

 

[Anonymous]

Okay, thanks - I'll give it a go when the cable arrives!

Can something like WD40 be used instead of Deoxit to stop the cable corroding?

 

[MattSPL]

WD 40 would work i suppose

 

[Anonymous]

Great, it's just that Deoxit seems pretty pricey.

 

[MattSPL]

Pricy but will last ages as you dont use much and dont use it very often.

There is a silicone based version of wd40, can't remember the make but it actually suggests its for electrical use like spark plugs on cars and stuff as well as oiling locks etc.

 

[MattSPL]

Just read a post on a forum suggesting using silver solder to coat the bare ends of your speaker wire.

This will prevent them oxidising, except for the silver solder over time, but silver oxide is very conductive so this doesnt matter.

Then clamp the cable into the banana plug.

 

[Diamond Joe]

MattSPL:
Just read a post on a forum suggesting using silver solder to coat the bare ends of your speaker wire.

This will prevent them oxidising, except for the silver solder over time, but silver oxide is very conductive so this doesnt matter.

Then clamp the cable into the banana plug.

That's a bloomin' good idea, I'll give that a go.

 

[Anonymous]

MattSPL:WD 40 would work i suppose

I personally would not use WD40 as its a lubricant and not necessarily a good conductor of electricity.

I would tin the cable ends then soft solder them onto the plugs, this will ensure that you will have a very good conductor of signal and at the end of the day is what you want, you will need a large iron because the plug will dissipate a lot of heat I personally use a jewellers micro torch but you have to be vary careful, hope this helps................