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Spakon vs. Jack

#21
aborgman said:
In EVERY way?

That is going a little far.

Two ways speakons don't beat 1/4" -

1) Cost
2) Cable switching times

That being said - the benefits of speak-on greatly outweigh the minor benefits of 1/4"
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Absolutely disagree!!!!

Sure Speakons cost more - if you use dollar store jack plugs. If you use good quality well made ones like Neutrik the cost difference is pennies. Especially if you get Speakons on sale.

I can switch a speakon cable out in about the same time as a phone jack and I don't have to worry about them being live.

Paul
 
#22
BassmanPaul said:
Absolutely disagree!!!!

Sure Speakons cost more - if you use dollar store jack plugs. If you use good quality well made ones like Neutrik the cost difference is pennies. Especially if you get Speakons on sale.
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Generally I see about 10-20% difference in price between speak-ons and 1/4" plugs of similar quality... and I've yet to find a metal shelled speakon that will hold up to the abuse that a metal shelled 1/4" cable will.



BassmanPaul said:
I can switch a speakon cable out in about the same time as a phone jack and I don't have to worry about them being live.
Click to expand...


"About"

... I'd bet if you've got a mess of them to connect/disconnect - you'd notice the time adding up.

All that being said (as I said before) - the benefits hugely outweigh the drawbacks.
 
#23
Switccraft 1/4" connectors cost me the same as Neutrik speakon connectors. I've been repairing 1/4 cables since 1972 with soldering gun...solder. smoke heat and occasional burned fingers, speakons require a wire stripper and phillips screwdriver. I can repair a speakon cable in the field with minimal tools and fuss. In addition to the previously mentioned points. I feel this also a big advantage.
 
#26
Nobody is even discussing the lowly banana plug ! Just as easy to wire as a speakon, and no need to re-wire for bridging. Stays securely in their connector, and, with a speakon connector at the other end, you have the best of both worlds for two channel use , or bridging. Also, I believe there is no threat of getting shocked as with a phone plug. I'm also wondering why, if the speakon is the be all - end all of all connectors, why do just about every amp/power amp manufacturer in the world continue to offer speakon, banana plug, hardwire and, yes, phoneplug ( even RCA in some amps ) connections on their products ? :confused:
 
#28
jnewmark said:
I'm also wondering why, if the speakon is the be all - end all of all connectors, why do just about every amp/power amp manufacturer in the world continue to offer speakon, banana plug, hardwire and, yes, phoneplug ( even RCA in some amps ) connections on their products ? :confused:
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For compatibility with older gear, of course. As to bananas, they have polarity issues and don't lock in place.
 
#30
billfitzmaurice said:
For compatibility with older gear, of course. As to bananas, they have polarity issues and don't lock in place.
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My older Acme cab has 1/4", banana, and Speakon inputs so I'm covered. My Crest CA-6 has binding posts (banana plug compatible only) and that's it. My only complaint about banana plugs is the less-than-optimal strain relief. On the plus side, BP's can be used for both stereo and bridged applications with no re-wiring.

Riis
 
#32
You can convert a 1/4" cable to a Speakons in about 5 minutes with a pair of cable strippers and a screw driver. No need to buy new if your current cables are good just replace the ends. Just swapped mine out for curiosities sake and but can't tell any difference in performance.
 
#35
Munjibunga said:
Two-pole or four-pole will work. If it's only going to be used for a normal speaker connection, there's no reason to use the four-pole. If you use the 4-pole, just wire it to 1+/1-.
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I suggest always choose a 4 vs 2 as a default. reason being, a 2 cond speakon connector is "keyed" somewhat differently and I've yet to see a manufacturer install a 2 cond speakon connector on their amps or cabinets.

Your 4 conductor speakon connector will not fit into a 2 conductor speakon jack. Just FYI.
 
#36
Doug Parent said:
I suggest always choose a 4 vs 2 as a default. reason being, a 2 cond speakon connector is "keyed" somewhat differently and I've yet to see a manufacturer install a 2 cond speakon connector on their amps or cabinets.

Your 4 conductor speakon connector will not fit into a 2 conductor speakon jack. Just FYI.
Click to expand...

A 2-conductor plug will work just fine in a 4-conductor jack.
 

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