Why not try folding the wire over on itself, doubling what you are putting into the connector?

ArthurDaniels wrote: 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.

It's a regular spring-loaded connector (see pic below). Therefore i dont spades will work. Bananas can, but would have minimal surface area contact.

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

Best,

Art

Absolutely. If the surface contact is only 20% or so, over a cable length of ~40 feet, the sound will be quite flat and unengaging. As it was when i was using a much thinner speaker wire before upgrading.

I am not familiar with the type of spring-loaded contact pictured in your reply. But, if the method of insertion involves depressing the top portion of the contact until the holes are in alignment, then inserting the wire, then releasing the contact to create tension to hold the wire inside the contact - then I would think a round surface such as a male pin which fits snugly into the aligned holes would offer the greatest surface contact area. If so, you can probably find such a male pin that has provisions for insertion of a wire into the other end, secured by a crimp or solder connection.

ArthurDaniels wrote: I am not familiar with the type of spring-loaded contact pictured in your reply. But, if the method of insertion involves depressing the top portion of the contact until the holes are in alignment, then inserting the wire, then releasing the contact to create tension to hold the wire inside the contact - then I would think a round surface such as a male pin which fits snugly into the aligned holes would offer the greatest surface contact area. If so, you can probably find such a male pin that has provisions for insertion of a wire into the other end, secured by a crimp or solder connection.

Correct, I actually think a standard banana plug will fit in the hole.

But really, just press the connector, insert the bare wire, and enjoy. Unless this is for your main LR, and you are using a high end speaker cable, and have a big power amp, there's just no reason to go beyond that connection. As a matter of fact, the GoldenEar trade show demos of the in ceiling systems were always done with a bare wire connection, no issues and as everyone has read, the sound was incredible.