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Binding Posts (newbie)

Discussion in 'Amps and Cabs [BG]' started by K2000, Dec 7, 2005.

  1. Dec 7, 2005 #1
    K2000

    K2000

    Nov 16, 2005
    Brooklyn
    Hi, I am looking at some bigger power amps and some of them have binding posts as 'amp out'. I am unfamiliar with binding posts and need some reassurance that using them isn't going to be an issue.

    I was under the impression that they are typically used for permanent installations... I want an amp that I can drag around to practices and jams, and hook up quick and easy.

    My current cabinet only has a 1/4 inch jack in, if that is a factor. That might change later on.

    Help a newbie...
     
  2. Dec 7, 2005 #2
    billfitzmaurice

    billfitzmaurice Commercial User

    Sep 15, 2004
    New Hampshire
    Owner, Bill Fitzmaurice Loudspeaker Design
    You're right. Most amps today offer either speakons or speakons and posts, very few intended for touring offer only posts.
     
  3. Dec 7, 2005 #3
    Fuzzhead

    Fuzzhead

    Sep 26, 2005
    Australia
    Quite often binding posts also accept banana plugs, which are pretty easy to use, and probably easier for bridging...with a Speakon you have to rewire the amp end for bridging.

    What amps are you looking at? I was doing a bit of research recently.
     
  4. Dec 8, 2005 #4
    K2000

    K2000

    Nov 16, 2005
    Brooklyn
    I'm looking at everything, but mostly older stuff that has a lot of watts for cheap seems to be what I am mostly interested in. When I say cheap I mean under 300 dollars cheap. Older cheaper amps lack some of the features of current gear, however I'm willing to work with older stuff if I can.

    Are binding posts (binding posts 'only' amps) a deal-killer for me? I'm not even sure what binding posts are. Are they like how you would hook up your stereo speakers? Sorry for the dumb questions but I've never even considered rack gear before... but the dollars-to-watts ratio is attractive so I am trying to learn.

    If binding posts are a huge hassle I will rule those amps out... Help me, I'm not smart... :eek:
     
  5. Dec 8, 2005 #5
    Fuzzhead

    Fuzzhead

    Sep 26, 2005
    Australia
    A lot of Pro Audio amps have binding posts that also accept banana plugs, eg Crown Macrotech 2402 and K2, Crest CA-9. These amps are pretty much flagged as great sounding but heavy amps, or Lead-Sleds if you are dissing them. Do a search on poweramps if you want to understand them, I personally think the linear power supply makes a difference to your tone, however a few people would disagree on this and would prefer a lighter poweramp with a switching power supply like a QSC or Stewart. I guess you'll have to check them out yourself.

    A used CA-9 will probably set you back $500+, maybe a CA-6 will be cheaper. Or you can just get a used QSC or other, your choice. They have Speakon connectors too, which I prefer. Up to you how much wattage you need, I would suggest at least 500W @ 4 Ohms, that would handle most situations, although 800 watts handles everything. :D
     
  6. Dec 8, 2005 #6
    tadawson

    tadawson

    Aug 24, 2005
    Lewisville, TX
    Binding posts aren't a deal killer - for me, a deal killer would be 1/4" only . . . . You can get dual bananna plug connectors that fit directly onto the posts, and plug and unplug as quickly as anything else, but handle power far better than 1/4". In my opinion, if you can get speakon on what you are interested in, that is the way to go . . . .

    - Tim
     
  7. Dec 8, 2005 #7
    Doug Parent

    Doug Parent Supporting Member

    May 31, 2004
    San Diego, Ca.
    Dealer Nordstrand Pickups.
    +1 banana to 1/4 speaker cables or to speakon aren't hard to find.No worries!