Spade to Banana Connectors

Shadowfax

Shadowfax

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What are some reasonably priced connectors to take Spade to Banana?

My dilemma is that when I got my main setup, used, it came with Synergistic cables that I am still using. The problem is that the diameter of the connectors on my Dynaudio speakers is larger than those on the Clearfields that they were matched to. I like to swap my 2 pair of speakers now and then and in order to use the same cables, I had to use a Spade to Banana connector.

I am currently using the ones from Audioquest
31CY26JZ97L.jpg


The problem with these is that after a few uses, the spring tension on the banana ends dies and they do not fit snug anymore. I am unsure but feel that I am losing something without a solid connection.

What other brands/models of these type of connectors will hold their spring tension but not cost a great deal? I see some by Vampire and others but can't tell from pictures if they will hold up any better than the AQs.

Anyone use similar or can suggest ones to look at that are stronger than the AQs?

Thanks!
 
Years ago Monster Cable used to make some really good spade to banana connectors. There was an inset screw that you tightened inside the barrel of the banana connector that caused the banana connector to expand and make a really tight connection. I did a quick spin around the net and can't find any of those. It seems that what Monster is selling today are much cheaper products.
 
Thanks, I do remember those and can't find anything similar.

10 years ago I had to change careers and by leaving my Toolmaker hat and shop access, I can no longer just make what I want.

I may just draw something up and have a set of Small Spade to Larger Spade connectors made to get awat from Banana all together.
 
Brian - I've found that BFA design banana plugs fit very securely with a large contact area and maintain connection quality over time and reuse. After doing a bit of research for you I believe that these Supra Combicon bananas may work for you. The description states that a spade terminated cable can be attached to the connector body, and I found the following picture which shows this. Good luck and let us know if this works for you.
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Thanks, Bill. They look good and I finally found one US dealer with a price of $60 for 2 pair which seems reasonable if they do hold up.
 
Is it possible to expand the end again by compressing the connector lengthwise, or do these have something solid in the middle? I had some that were that style a while back which didn't fit all that well until I compressed them with a pair of pliers to expand the end a bit.
 
While the design of those Deltron bananas will maintain a tight fit, they require a soldered connection and do not allow you to convert a spade to banana as requested.
 
Matt715 said:
Is it possible to expand the end again by compressing the connector lengthwise, or do these have something solid in the middle? I had some that were that style a while back which didn't fit all that well until I compressed them with a pair of pliers to expand the end a bit.
Click to expand...

Good idea, I can control the squeeze if I put them in my toolmaker grinding vice. I suppose that will work for a while but I am not confident that the AQs will hold the tension. I'm going to give it a shot tonight and see if they snug up some.
 
Shadowfax said:
Good idea, I can control the squeeze if I put them in my toolmaker grinding vice. I suppose that will work for a while but I am not confident that the AQs will hold the tension. I'm going to give it a shot tonight and see if they snug up some.
Click to expand...

FWIW, I found those AQ's to be awkward and honestly, total junk. I would definitely move on to one of the designs already suggested. Those BFA's look great. Good luck.
 
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