Audio Systems: Connectors, guage wire, flexible copper

Question
As you have said the problem with pin connectors is that they have a small surface area (I guess this means they make little contact).  I noticed Monster makes these connectors called "QuickLock Gold Flex Pin Connectors."  The ends of the connectors are unlike regular pin connectors in that they have flexible copper braiding.  They are also expensive ($20 for 4).  Are these connectors really worth the hype, and are they better than regular pin connectors?  Thanks again.


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Followup To
Question -
With regards to the banana plugs that I mentioned, I should've asked about pin connectors instead, seeing these connectors are probably more likely to be used in spring clip terminals found on the back of receivers and speakers.  I noticed lately that a lot of stores sell speaker wire packages that include these pin connectors (if you call them that) that you attach to the end of bare wire (you somehow crimp or twist the connector to attach).  I know that you had mentioned that bare wire makes the best connection, but what about these connectors.  Don't these give a better connection especially considering just about all of them are gold plated, which gold is supposed to be the best conductor.

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Followup To
Question -
I have a question related to connecting two strands of speaker wire together.  I noticed the previous owners of our house had used Monster Cable speaker wires to connect their speaker system.  Instead of doing one long run though, with say 100' for example, they put two 50' or so lengths together by using some kind of metal connector.  I wanted to ask if this is o.k. to do, or will you get less quality or signal loss by doing this.  I see the wire they used has pretty thick insulation and it is probably either 16 or 14 guage.  Would I be better off not using that wire and just using the 18 guage wire that came with my speaker system or buying wire where I wouldn't have to splice anything together?  Also, are banana plugs better to use on the ends of speaker wire when you connect to something that uses spring clips, or is it better to just connect bare wire?  Thanks very much.
Answer -
Dear Dave,

Splicing wire, especially for long runs, happens and, if done carefully--no strands left hanging, should not cause any appreciable signal degradation.

14AWG wire is always preferable to the lighter weights, 16AWG and especially 18AWG. I never recommend anything less than 16AWG for home audio applications. BTW, 14AWG Monster Cable in-wall is very expensive (IMHO, too expensive) wire. Keep it.

If your receiver or speaker has spring clips, use "tinned" bare wire. By "tinned" I mean applying a thin coat of solder to the inch or so of exposed wire. First, it will retard the oxidation process of the copper. Second, it will make installing it a lot easier.

Banana plugs are useful really if you have 5-way binding posts with banana plug slots built into the tightening nuts.

BTW, an awful lot of audiophiles put a lot of stock in speaker wire connectors: banana plugs, spade lugs. They're useful for 5-way binding post connections, but they do add another component to the signal chain, one that can come loose and actually degrade the signal. Tinned, bare wire is always the best bet.

Good luck. And thanks for choosing allexperts.com!

Kindest regards,

Kevin
Answer -
Dear Dave,

IMHO, the same principle applies to pin connectors. They're an addition to the signal chain. There's nothing inherently wrong with any kind of connector: pin, banana plug, spade lug. Indeed, I use banana plugs with all my equipment that has 5-way binding posts. This is mostly because I'm an equipment reviewer, and banana plugs make plugging and unplugging speaker connections--we do a lot of this--a whole lot easier.

However, for the surround sound and rear channel speakers in our home theater set-up, I've merely used tinned wire because (1) they're mounted on a 10' ceiling, and I ain't goin' up there any more than I have to; and (2) the 5-way binding posts are engineered inside an enclosure that won't accept banana plugs!

The only reservation I have with pin connectors and spring clips is that the round pins only connect to the clips at two points--that's not much of a connection. Tinned wire will provide a better connection as the wire spreads under pressure from the clips.

Yes, gold is a superior connection medium, but you're still dealing with copper wire and (usually) steel spring clips. Gold is better mated with binding posts, which are also gold plated.

Bottom line: you can use any connector you want so long as *its* connection to the wire is solid. I crimp *and* solder all of mine.

Kindest regards,

Kevin

Answer
Dear Dave,

The problem with pin connectors and spring clips is that pin connectors are round, and spring clips are two, thin pieces of metal trying to make a solid connection. A line on an arc is a point: IMHO, not the best connection you can get.

I like the Monster Cable flex connectors, but why? You get the same result by exposing a half inch or so of bare wire and giving it a good twist. Oh, they'll work just fine, but IMHO they're way too expensive. If you must have connectors, use RS's FLAT pin connectors (Part No. 278-317, $3.49 for four--and, yes, I'd forgotten about these puppies when I wrote last; was thinking of classic, round pins). With those you'll get a flat surface that will give the spring clips something to chomp on.

Frankly, if I were you, I'd simply use bare wire and be done with it. Soldering or "tinning" the ends would be nice but isn't essential.

Relax, everything will sound wonderful.

Kindest regards,

Kevin