Do I need connector to terminate speaker cable?

[myle]

Hi Bro,

 

I just purchased components as below:

 

- Denon AVR-1907

- Wharfedale Diamond 9.1

- Wharfedale Diamond 9.CS

- Chord Silver Carnival Plus

 

However, the Chord cables are not terminated with any connector. Is it a common practice to terminate with connector? If yes can any bro recommends which brand/type of connector suits my system? Will there be sonic difference with and without connector?

 

How long do I need to burn in my new system? What can be expected after the burn in period.

 

Thanks!!!  ;D

[armoury]

Not really, bare wire to the speaker terminal is fine.  Unless you expect to swap components in and out on a regular basis.

[dbchoong]

Speaker cables can be used without any connectors (banana plugs or spades). Connectors are good for the convenience of switching speakers or amps and also lowers the chance of accidental short circuits caused by stray strands of speaker wire.

 

Performance wise, unterminated speaker cables are equal or better than those with connectors.

 

Don't worry about burning in. Just play it. A good calibration is recommended for optimum performance.

 

:)

[petetherock]

Hi there

Can you post the cost of your new system?

 

I agree with DB, except bananas or other connections keep your wire ends 'fresh'

 

In local humid conditions the wires oxidise easily (OFC or not) so after a few years just cut away the ends a bit.

 

Cheers

 

[armoury]

As dbchoong said, just play it. 

 

Burn in, in relation to speakers, is when the gaskets or other mechanical/moving parts lose their initial stiffness as they get worked out.  This happens by simplying playing and using the speakers.  Nothing special is really required (some audiophiles might disagree) -- just watch your movies, play the radio on multi-channel format otherwise.

 

In relation to electronics and wiring, some think there's something in the electrical pathways that gets worked out with use.  I have no idea whether it's true or not, but again the only way to do it is to use your system, so again nothing special required. 

 

The only thing to note is that in the initial period, don't push your system too hard, i.e. play at moderate volumes, don't try for loud.  Let the speakers have some time to work themselves nice and loose, before you push them hard and the drivers have to move to the extremes.

[myle]

Thanks for your replies bros!!!  ;D

 

I will just stick to the bare wires as the SQ maybe better and save cost on the connectors. My only problem is the spk wires keep on loosening from the AVR when I try to position my AVR on the TV console. Seems like I need to cut out more outer insulator. The conductor is very stiff  :(

 

I got the components from KEC

 

- Denon AVR-1907 $609

- Wharfedale Diamond 9.1 $415

- Wharfedale Diamond 9.CS $319

- Chord Carnival Silver Plus 11m ($13/m) $143

- 1 pair of spk stands (Rosewood) $145

- no frill n cheap component cable ($29)

 

Initially I audited Mordaunt Short Avant 902i as it is much cheaper and highly recommended in What!Hifi (I know bros here don't trust this magazine except stereophile mag but I just know lately after exploring this forum). I'm looking for warm yet detail speaker which is similar to my Tivoli Audio Model two so that is my starting point. FYI the material I used for testing is  KENNY G collection. I found that higher end of MS902i is too tense to my liking. When I tested Wharfedale 9.1, it seems the sound is more pleasing. So I ordered this set with the rest.

 

 

I also bought IC from LHS

 

- 2x 1m Belden 1695a coax ($9/m) $18

- 4x canare RCA ($7/ea) $28

- 1.5 Belden 1694a coax ($3/m) + connectors (TV and SCV pt) $10 = $14.5

 

To my surprice the performance of Belden coax scv cable is not better than Daiyo 1. Is that usual? I will do further testing tonite.