Different 1/4" plugs for instrument/speaker?

Well, I guess I'm kind of a snob when it comes to cables and connectors. I will only use Neutrik 1/4 connectors and Neutrik Speakon connectors. The Speakon connectors give you much better power handling then a 1/4 in plug will and have the added benifit of locking. 1/4 inch phone plugs were designed for telephone systems back in they day and are only made to carry a few watts of power, which is why they are so poor for todays high power amplifiers. Redco has good deals on Speakon connectors if you interested in them.
The NL4FC is plug I use.
Redco Speakon Connectors

If you must use 1/4 inch plugs, spend the extra money to get the Neutrik plugs, they are much better quality then the switchcraft plugs
The NP2C is a good plug for speaker and guitar cable use.

Redco Neutrik 1/4 inch plugs


Redco also has great deals on bulk cable, any kind you want from Mic cable to Guitar cable to all gauges of speaker cable.

I use the Red 12/2 series 2 conductor 12 gauge cable for my speakon cables. Killer deal at .36 a foot.

Redco bulk cable prices

I'm don't work for them, just a happy customer and cable builder

 

How much of a difference does what make?

If you talking about 1/4 inch jacks it makes a huge difference. Cheaper jacks are press fit together instead of being cast in one piece, this gives you potential weak points in the press fit joints and under heavy use they will fail intermittently eventually.

As for soldering skill, the Neutrik 1/4 jacks are actually much easier to solder then the switchcraft type, and Speakon connectors require no soldering at all, they have screw type wire binding posts built into them and you just need a screwdriver to put them together.

Scott

 

Switchcrafts are not hard to terminate if you have a decent soldering iron and basic soldering skills. Just be sure to wire the connectors on both ends of the cable the same, you don't want your speakers wired out of phase.