Banana plugs! what to get

[Confuzzled]

Hey all,

I’m looking on amazon at banana plugs and sockets for a circuit bend project. was wondering if anyone had any experience with them? or had recommendations on what to get?

[crochambeau]

I like the Johnson/Cinch panel connector (like these: https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Jo ... clhTyEUpND) and for cable it's hard to beat a Pomona.

4mm is the "normal" size.

If you want to go "best bang for buck" and do not care that it will be improbable to install them in a neat and clean looking manner, these are nice: https://www.ebay.com/itm/50-Set-4-0mm-4 ... SwjKFZP5TH

There's probably something similar on Amazon... avoid single spring units like the plague.

[Confuzzled]

I like the Johnson/Cinch panel connector (like these: https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Jo ... clhTyEUpND) and for cable it's hard to beat a Pomona.

4mm is the "normal" size.

If you want to go "best bang for buck" and do not care that it will be improbable to install them in a neat and clean looking manner, these are nice: https://www.ebay.com/itm/50-Set-4-0mm-4 ... SwjKFZP5TH

There's probably something similar on Amazon... avoid single spring units like the plague.

what's a single spring unit? also what the hell is on that eBay page? are those the plugs that have to be attached to the wire? what are those shafts? I'm looking for the sockets and the cables to complete the circuit bends.

[crochambeau]

what's a single spring unit?

Look at the metal shaft of whatever part you are considering, here is a bad one to guide you: http://futurlec.com/Plugs/BNNSTKRpr.shtml

[also what the hell is on that eBay page? are those the plugs that have to be attached to the wire? what are those shafts? I'm looking for the sockets and the cables to complete the circuit bends.

Sorry, when I'm in DIY I make the assumption that soldering up your own wires is fair game. Those shafts are the female/jack component of the connector and yes, the plugs would require soldering to wire to make a cable (so would the jacks).

[Kacey Y]

Last time I needed banana plugs was for when I still had passive studio monitors. I went down to Best Buy and they had some that didn't need soldering, they were for speaker wire and had a screw on connection that crimped the braided wire. I think they were just Rocketfish brand or something similar, generic AV connector parts brand. Worked fine for years without issues.

[Confuzzled]

what's a single spring unit?

Look at the metal shaft of whatever part you are considering, here is a bad one to guide you: http://futurlec.com/Plugs/BNNSTKRpr.shtml

[also what the hell is on that eBay page? are those the plugs that have to be attached to the wire? what are those shafts? I'm looking for the sockets and the cables to complete the circuit bends.

Sorry, when I'm in DIY I make the assumption that soldering up your own wires is fair game. Those shafts are the female/jack component of the connector and yes, the plugs would require soldering to wire to make a cable (so would the jacks).

No worries. I really appreciate the responses, you've all helped me avoid many a trip to the dr. and needless co-pays. I saw some of the stackable plugs on amazon as well. Am I understanding right that you can plug a plug into the top portion of a plug thus making another connection?

[crochambeau]

Am I understanding right that you can plug a plug into the top portion of a plug thus making another connection?

Yes, stackable make for as many connections to one point as you need.

[liselina]

If you want to find a suitable banana plug manufacturer, this article lists 10 manufacturers that currently specialize in making high-end audio plugs. I believe you can find the product you want.
https://rasantekaudio.com/connectors/to ... olesalers/
https://rasantekaudio.com/connectors/12 ... sub-cable/

[crochambeau]

Timely response! My banana plugs have grown into a full head of banana hair in the intervening years, and you can call me the Monkey's Medusa.