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Need some info about bookshelf speakers and banana plugs.

post #1 of 4
6/28/10 at 4:16pm
Thread Starter 

Well...

 

Call me a newb, but I don't know shite about banana plugs and speaker connections.

I am looking into getting a pair of bookshelf speakers to hook up to my Denon receiver. I understand that my particular receiver (which I just bought) accepts only banana plugs for the speaker connections. Very simple. I like that.

 

But where my confusion comes in is with this cable:

 

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=181-605

 

Anyways, I wanted to buy this cable for the connections between the speakers and the receiver. It looks like a quality cable, has good reviews, and seems fairly priced. However, when I contacted Parts Express they had advised me that both ends of the cable are terminated with banana plugs. Is this normal? Do I have to look for speakers that will accept banana plugs? Or do all speakers accept them?

 

I am a total newb when it comes to speakers.

 

Also, I am looking for bookshelf speakers, any suggestions? My price range is only about $250-300 at the moment. What is everyone's opinion about Polk speakers.... say these:

 

http://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-TSi200-Bookshelf-Speakers/dp/B0018QROCC/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1277766796&sr=8-7

 

 

or these:

 

http://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-TSi100-Bookshelf-Speakers/dp/B00192KEY0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1277766796&sr=8-1

 

thanks all for the help.

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post #2 of 4
6/28/10 at 5:28pm
Most speakers accept banana cables. Look at the specs when you buy a pair - most have binding posts that will accept several types of cable connectors. If your receiver has jacks for banana plugs, you should have no trouble connecting that cable. As for bookshelves, I don't much like the consumer-grade ones out there. My favorite inexpensive one is the PSB Alpha B1. Read the Stereophile review of it. You should also go to Audiogon and browse the listings for bookshelves. Then you can Google reviews of anything interesting. Best of all, used gear usually sells for 50% or more off retail, so you'll get a much better deal used. Also, audiophiles tend to baby their gear and only sell to fund upgrades, so whatever you find will be in great shape, generally.
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post #3 of 4
6/28/10 at 5:53pm

I just bought an NOS pair of Clements 105di speakers and they do not take banana plugs, so check before you buy.

 

DSCN0970.JPG

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post #4 of 4
6/28/10 at 8:38pm

For bookshelf speakers, I'd recommend these internet-direct brands:

 

Ascend Acoustics

Axiom Audio

SV Sound

Home Theater Direct

 

I've listened to quite a few products from the above, as well as owning some. Maybe there's some personal bias, but I've found that the products offered by these brands are superior to mass-market brands like JBL/Polk/Klipsch at the same price range.

 

Jack

 

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