Bottlehead Forum

General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: rockdoc on November 18, 2022, 03:51:53 PM

Title: bare end speaker wire question
Post by: rockdoc on November 18, 2022, 03:51:53 PM
I just got 50' of the Belden 5000 10 gauge cable. Going to cut to 2 20' lengths, and go without bananas or spades etc. . What's the current wisdom on plain ends to amp (1959 Scott 299 EL84 amp in this case, later a Stereomour II when I get to that) and to my Lii F15 open baffles; solder tin the ends, or leave them unsoldered? I've always solder tinned my ends, but wondering what everyone here thinks......

Steve T
Title: Re: bare end speaker wire question
Post by: 2wo on November 18, 2022, 05:27:12 PM
I always lightly tin them, I figure it helps with  corrosion and keeps things neat...John
Title: Re: bare end speaker wire question
Post by: Deluk on November 19, 2022, 12:21:05 AM
What sort of connectors are on the Scott?
Title: Re: bare end speaker wire question
Post by: rockdoc on November 19, 2022, 03:45:57 AM
stock old vintage terminal strip with screws. I've used spades in the past, and may do that here.

Steve T

Title: Re: bare end speaker wire question
Post by: Paul Birkeland on November 19, 2022, 05:32:42 AM
These are great on vintage amps and will let you use banana plugs.
https://www.amazon.com/Speaker-Connector-Hi-end-Adapter-Binding/dp/B07XGC6GHX/ref=asc_df_B07XGC6GHX/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=459618435588&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=5613844303814329542&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9051868&hvtargid=pla-942094759816&psc=1 (https://www.amazon.com/Speaker-Connector-Hi-end-Adapter-Binding/dp/B07XGC6GHX/ref=asc_df_B07XGC6GHX/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=459618435588&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=5613844303814329542&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9051868&hvtargid=pla-942094759816&psc=1)

Screwing bare wire into screw terminals is pretty annoying, especially if you plan to be swapping out different gear.
Title: Re: bare end speaker wire question
Post by: Tubegopher on November 19, 2022, 09:23:18 AM
Nice clean looking HH Scott 299. I have owned one in the past. The EL84 is a sweet sounding tube!
I am curious what the two speaker wire inputs are used for up near the front.
Also, I like Paul's suggestion for the connectors.

Title: Re: bare end speaker wire question
Post by: rockdoc on November 19, 2022, 11:02:40 AM
These are great on vintage amps and will let you use banana plugs.

I've seen those and might give them a try . Thanks Paul!
Title: Re: bare end speaker wire question
Post by: rockdoc on November 19, 2022, 11:03:46 AM

I am curious what the two speaker wire inputs are used for up near the front.


which ones? Where?
Title: Re: bare end speaker wire question
Post by: rockdoc on November 19, 2022, 11:09:39 AM
Nice clean looking HH Scott 299. I have owned one in the past. The EL84 is a sweet sounding tube!


I have always had  old Fisher and Scott EL84 integrateds, as well as my 45s, 2A3s, and 300B amps. Love them all!

Steve T
Title: Re: bare end speaker wire question
Post by: Deluk on November 20, 2022, 12:30:05 AM
The adaptors Paul suggested look very good value for money but they look as if they maybe too wide for side to side use in this application. The screw fittings shown look more suitable for the bell wire that was typically used at the time.
Title: Re: bare end speaker wire question
Post by: Tubegopher on November 20, 2022, 10:22:59 AM
In the upper right corner of the amplifier, near the 12AX7 tubes there is a black and a red connector that is usually used with Banana plugs for speakers. It seems out of place, so I am wondering what the purpose is.
Thanks,
Don
Title: Re: bare end speaker wire question
Post by: 2Bornot2B on November 21, 2022, 09:27:34 AM
I am using the “banana adaptors” on Cornwalls and they fit without touching.
Title: Re: bare end speaker wire question
Post by: rockdoc on November 21, 2022, 11:11:50 AM
In the upper right corner of the amplifier, near the 12AX7 tubes there is a black and a red connector that is usually used with Banana plugs for speakers. It seems out of place, so I am wondering what the purpose is.
Thanks,
Don

not my amp; just a pic I pulled off line.

Steve T