I really feel like this is a stupid question, but I couldnt quite find an answer anywhere: what is the proper and ideal/professional way to connect speaker wires to a "push-style terminal/connector" like that on the invisia series? For normal speakers, I usually use banana plugs or spades - but in this scenario, I 'm not sure what is the ideal.

I am using 12 gauge speaker wires from Jeans Cable (very long length of 30-40 feet since in-ceiling), and they are quite thick, stiff, and don't really "scrunch up" inside the push-style connectors -- so i feel perhaps there isnt that much "surface contact" between the wires and the terminal/connectors.

Perhaps the graphic below might explain this better. Thank you for your advice.

If the 12 gauge wire is not too thick for the terminals, you can consider twisting the leads tightly, then applying a thin coating of solder to keep the wire together without adding too much additional thickness, then inserting into the terminal.

If the problem is that the 12 gauge wire is simply too thick, determine the maximum thickness you can successfully insert into the terminal, then purchase a small amount of whatever gauge wire matches that thickness. Use a crimp-type splice to connect your 12 gauge to the smaller gauge, then insert the smaller gauge into the speaker terminal.

Best,

Art

Thank you Art for your reply.

Actually the 12 gauge cable has a significantly smaller diameter than the terminal's opening. But because the cable and its strands are stiff, it does not change shape when the terminal squeezes it - it stays a perfect circle. Because of this, as my sketch shows, only the top and bottom areas of the cable make contact with the terminal - instead, i would have imagined that it is recommended to maximize surface area contact between the cables and terminals? Is there a generally recommended best way to do this, such as flattening the cable's strands with a tool, or twisting the cable's strands around the terminal?

Speaker connectors having direct contact with bare wire is always considered best although largly debatible on the web! You have nothing in the way, and the contact isn't covered!

I am guessing the connectors are spring loaded, usually with 3/4" inch exposed wire and tightly twisted, is all that is needed.

Banana plugs, yes I use them too, but mostly for looks and convenience, 12awg is perfect for your length.

Hope this helps.

Thanks
Po

I don't know what "the experts" say about the importance of maximized surface area contact with regard to speaker connections. I would assume that "the more surface area connected, the better". If the connector shape invites a square or rectangular connection, rather than a round connection, then flattening the speaker wire or terminating the speaker wire into a device such as a spade lug or flattened crimp connector would probably increase the area of contact.

The question to me would be: Can I hear the difference?

Best,

Art

fopmc wrote: Speaker connectors having direct contact with bare wire is always considered best although largly debatible on the web! You have nothing in the way, and the contact isn't covered!

Thank you for your reply. I agree with you that bare is best. But as opposed to a receiver's connector that you screw tightly over speaker cables and flattening the cable's strands for max contact - a spring-loaded connector only lightly touches the speaker cables (especially if they have thick strands, as with 12 awg)

fopmc wrote: I am guessing the connectors are spring loaded, usually with 3/4" inch exposed wire and tightly twisted, is all that is needed.

What do you mean by twist tightly? around the connector? do you individually separate the cable's strands and wrap them around the connector, the same way you would when installing a banana plug? thanks