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No "built in" short circuit, better connection, able to carry more current in a better, safer way, locking connector stays in place.
But i still use jacks because:
I plug in cabs before firing up the amp
The ammount of current is not a big thing - if you use two cabs, fed by two cables
Nobody is allowed to crawl behind my cabs, so the connectors are not plugged out by somebody.
Talking my GenzBenz GBE 1200 into a single 810"-cab @ 4 Ohm, I am happy to use speakon connectors. On Amps about 300 - 500 Watts into one or two cabs, one or two good plugs with decent cables will do the job.
But i still use jacks because:
I plug in cabs before firing up the amp
The ammount of current is not a big thing - if you use two cabs, fed by two cables
Nobody is allowed to crawl behind my cabs, so the connectors are not plugged out by somebody.
Talking my GenzBenz GBE 1200 into a single 810"-cab @ 4 Ohm, I am happy to use speakon connectors. On Amps about 300 - 500 Watts into one or two cabs, one or two good plugs with decent cables will do the job.
It avoids momentary short-circuit that occurs as the cable is plugged in. This mattered less prior to 500+ watt amps. The biggest advantage though is not pulling out cables accidentally, as used to happen regularly with floor monitors and 1/4" connectors.
You can't mistakenly plug an effect that uses 1/4" plugs into a speakon jack.
Safer, secure, and no soldering. Any schlub with a modicum of mechanical aptitude can assemble one in minutes.
That being said, I'm also a fan of REAN banana plugs in some situations where a single cable may be used for a variety of applications...or when mandated by limitations of the equipment, itself.
Riis
That being said, I'm also a fan of REAN banana plugs in some situations where a single cable may be used for a variety of applications...or when mandated by limitations of the equipment, itself.
Riis
No mixing up is the main reason for me.
Since the speaker out of the amp is capable of enough volatage to damage other equipment, it's good to have speakons.
-You can't plug in something that expects line level into the speaker out and fry it
-You can't mix up your speaker cable with a patchcable from your pedalboard and fry that.
Since the speaker out of the amp is capable of enough volatage to damage other equipment, it's good to have speakons.
-You can't plug in something that expects line level into the speaker out and fry it
-You can't mix up your speaker cable with a patchcable from your pedalboard and fry that.
Locking on and not giving you potential for a shock hazard when you use an amp that puts out 500w or more. That said, I don't care for them myself and always use 1/4" speaker cables 
My favorite are the combo jacks ...everybody's happyLocking on and not giving you potential for a shock hazard when you use an amp that puts out 500w or more. That said, I don't care for them myself and always use 1/4" speaker cables
Locking on and not giving you potential for a shock hazard when you use an amp that puts out 500w or more. That said, I don't care for them myself and always use 1/4" speaker cables
You old stick in the mud Jimmy!
I changed to SpeakOns only years ago. I’ve never regretted that decision.
Well how often do I use an amp that puts out 500w or more?You old stick in the mud Jimmy!
I changed to SpeakOns only years ago. I’ve never regretted that decision.
Not often. I've got two, and one of them doesn't even put out 500w the way I use it (8 ohms). And the number of times I've had a 1/4" jack pull out is 0, so I just don't see much point.
I have had cables pulled out in the past. No damage was done but I prefer the safety that a SpeakOn brings.
If only they weren't so big. If they ever make mini-speakons, I'll revisit the topic.
Jules Meuffels
Commercial User
No audible difference so it makes zero difference to me. I have both, use whichever is within reach.
I guess the advantage is that the LSD you took is making your gig interesting.
So what do these "speaking" cables say to you?
Locking on and not giving you potential for a shock hazard when you use an amp that puts out 500w or more. That said, I don't care for them myself and always use 1/4" speaker cables
I had no idea that high wattage bass heads could give you a shock in that way. I'm glad I made this thread.
Speaking cables... there will be talking snakes next.
