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Thread: Beware, cheap banana plugs

  1. #1
    Join Date: Feb 2008

    Location: Middlesex, UK

    Posts: 4,481
    I'm Alex.

    Default Beware, cheap banana plugs

    I have some with the free to rotate springy bit shown in the video. They were OK when new, but soon started to produce an intermittent connection. At first thought it was was one of my connections, but no, it's the plug.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PcPNN7HxzGk
    Last edited by spendorman; 04-03-2018 at 12:09.
    Spendorman

  2. #2
    Join Date: Apr 2012

    Location: N E Kent

    Posts: 51,624
    I'm Geoff.

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    Yes. They are not too durable.


    I've also had problems with those that have a spring on one side, with the spring coming loose. Like these:



    I try to stick with Nordost style 'Z' plug types for my main cables. These:


  3. #3
    Join Date: May 2016

    Location: Much Wenlock

    Posts: 1,522
    I'm Gary.

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    +1 for Z or BFA same plug different name.

  4. #4
    Join Date: Feb 2009

    Location: Stonehouse, Gloucestershire

    Posts: 723
    I'm Peter.

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    Ooh, this is well timed. I've been thinking about changing my banana plugs. i do have the cheap plastic ones. Now I know what to look for to replace them with something better. Thanks
    Peter

  5. #5
    Join Date: May 2016

    Location: Much Wenlock

    Posts: 1,522
    I'm Gary.

    Default

    Buy mine on eBay, right angle ones where possible, I think they put less strain on connection to amps, speakers etc.


    Quote Originally Posted by symon View Post
    Ooh, this is well timed. I've been thinking about changing my banana plugs. i do have the cheap plastic ones. Now I know what to look for to replace them with something better. Thanks

  6. #6
    Join Date: Feb 2008

    Location: Middlesex, UK

    Posts: 4,481
    I'm Alex.

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    These Belling Lee plugs used to be supplied with Quad amplifiers, in decades of use, never had a problem

    Speaker-Plugs-4Mm-Belling-Lee-L378A4-Red-blk- by A60man, on Flickr
    Spendorman

  7. #7
    Join Date: Jan 2018

    Location: Bucks

    Posts: 97
    I'm My.

    Default

    I use the Nakamichi plugs, I presume they are the same as the z plugs. However, I'm not convinced that they are the real McCoy and wasn't when they were delivered!

  8. #8
    Audio Al is offline Pishanto Specialist & Super-Daftee
    Join Date: May 2012

    Location: Dagenham Essex

    Posts: 11,215
    I'm Allen.

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    Z plugs for me
    [

  9. #9
    Join Date: Sep 2009

    Location: west mids, UK

    Posts: 3,268
    I'm Phil.

    Default

    i use wbt or these have been good

    https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

    they really grip
    ou might slip, you might slide, you might
    Stumble and fall by the road side
    But don't you ever let nobody drag your spirit down
    Remember you're walking up to heaven

    Don't let nobody turn you around
    … Walk with the rich, walk with the poor
    Learn from everyone, that's what life is for
    And don't you let nobody drag your spirit down

    Eric Bibb

  10. #10
    Join Date: Jan 2008

    Location: Wrexham, North Wales, UK

    Posts: 110,012
    I'm AudioAl'sArbiterForPISHANTO.

    Default

    Personally, I wouldn't use anything that doesn't feature either solid-copper or silver conductors. I don't do plated brass, as to my ears, it's distinctly inferior. Therefore, I never have issues with cheap banana plugs - or cheap any plugs for that matter, as I don't buy them.

    Marco.
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