Binding posts or terminal cups?

[snmhanson]

Are there any obvious (or not so obvious) reasons that make it preferable to go with binding posts over terminal cups or vice versa? Aesthetically, I think terminal cups are a kind of cool solution, but they do require another rather large hole in the speakers which just gives me one more chance to screw things up. Also, if they ever get damaged I am stuck finding an exact replacement, otherwise I would have to alter the hole. Individual binding posts seem very simple to install and if I have to replace one it should be easy. They also take up less space, although I think I am probably ok space-wise with either. Which should I go with? (I already have the terminal cups, but I have plenty of time to order new binding posts if they are a better solution) Opinions or suggestions welcome.

Thanks,

Matt

[Hdale85]

For me, I don't like the fact I have to cut a big hole and it's only covered by a piece of thin plastic.

[evilskillit]

I like binding posts. For me the big advantage is you can space them further apart than half an inch. I can't tell you how many frustrating minutes of my life have been wasted by trying to cram 2 pieces of speaker wire into some binding posts inside of a tiny terminal cup in low light, and when I finally get them in I go to start cranking on the things and I can barely even get a good grip and your finger gets smashed when you turn and it tries to slide between the two posts which are too close together. /end rant...

[snmhanson]

So, two good reasons not to use terminal cups. Looks like it's binding posts for me. Thanks!

[Solid7]

So, two good reasons not to use terminal cups. Looks like it's binding posts for me. Thanks!

Terminal cups = poopy

Great if you want that whole "production speaker" look. But I am a big fan of overbuilding stuff, so I have to agree with Dougie085. I don't like building a bomb shelter, and then putting a rice paper door on it. :B

[BeerParty]

Well, just to throw in a alternate opinion - the cups have one advantage over binding posts: they don't stick out of the cabinet. Not a big deal for speakers that are not getting moved around, but if you do have to transport your speakers having the binding posts recessed sure is helpful. When I took my speakers to a DIY event, because I used cups I could slide them into my vehicle on their backs and didn't have to worry about the drivers getting damaged.

As for cutting another hole in the cabinet, you could think of it as practice for the driver holes - after all, the terminal cups don't need to be as precise as the driver holes do. Need a replacement - Parts Express is your friend. :P

Oh, and evilskillit, might I suggest an investment in some banana plugs? :W

[---k---]

Pick whichever looks better to you. I've used terminal cups where a few $$ more for a binding posts was an issue.

An in-between solution is to cut a 3" diameter hole, round it over, then on the inside of the box glue a piece of 3/4" ply to this. Then drill your binding posts in side this. It will give you nice, recessed binding posts.

[Hdale85]

An in-between solution is to cut a 3" diameter hole, round it over, then on the inside of the box glue a piece of 3/4" ply to this. Then drill your binding posts in side this. It will give you nice, recessed binding posts.

Agreed I was just going to mention this when he said something about the recessed.

[TacoD]

Binding post definitely, if you use bare wire (like me) you can easier tighten the nuts. Also no weak spot in your 1" think panels.

Also much easier to mount, simply drill a set of holes.

[Undefinition]

Well, just to throw in a alternate opinion - the cups have one advantage over binding posts: they don't stick out of the cabinet. Not a big deal for speakers that are not getting moved around, but if you do have to transport your speakers having the binding posts recessed sure is helpful. When I took my speakers to a DIY event, because I used cups I could slide them into my vehicle on their backs and didn't have to worry about the drivers getting damaged.

As for cutting another hole in the cabinet, you could think of it as practice for the driver holes - after all, the terminal cups don't need to be as precise as the driver holes do. Need a replacement - Parts Express is your friend. :P

Oh, and evilskillit, might I suggest an investment in some banana plugs? :W

+1 to everything you just said

[evilskillit]

Well, just to throw in a alternate opinion - the cups have one advantage over binding posts: they don't stick out of the cabinet. Not a big deal for speakers that are not getting moved around, but if you do have to transport your speakers having the binding posts recessed sure is helpful. When I took my speakers to a DIY event, because I used cups I could slide them into my vehicle on their backs and didn't have to worry about the drivers getting damaged.

As for cutting another hole in the cabinet, you could think of it as practice for the driver holes - after all, the terminal cups don't need to be as precise as the driver holes do. Need a replacement - Parts Express is your friend. :P

Oh, and evilskillit, might I suggest an investment in some banana plugs? :W

Yeah, I need to get some, next time I get something from PE I guess I will, tho honestly they're more than I'd really care to spend. Surprisingly expensive for little springy pieces of metal. I suppose its worth it for the convenience.

[numberoneoppa]

For ease of use, the cups are great - and cheap too. For aesthetics, you really can't beat nice binding posts against a plate.

[Undefinition]

Yeah, I need to get some, next time I get something from PE I guess I will, tho honestly they're more than I'd really care to spend. Surprisingly expensive for little springy pieces of metal. I suppose its worth it for the convenience.

Try ebay. Much better prices; you just gotta wait for the slow boat from China.

[FroDaddy]

Binding posts here. I considered the plates to go with them, but in the end I just used straight binding posts. However I always had a challenge lining them up perfectly. After drilling the hole, I used a deadpan hammer to knock them into place. Just make sure to remove the head of them so you won't damage the threads :T

[Hdale85]

The plates make them much nicer looking

[Solid7]

Binding posts here. I considered the plates to go with them, but in the end I just used straight binding posts. However I always had a challenge lining them up perfectly. After drilling the hole, I used a deadpan hammer to knock them into place. Just make sure to remove the head of them so you won't damage the threads :T

Use a bushing block to make perpendicular holes, if you don't have a drill press. If you don't want to buy a bushing block, have a friend with a drill press make a small hole in a wood block with a drill press, and use it as a guide (with the same size drill) for making holes of this type.

If you meant alignment, as in the holes being crooked relative to one another, a center punch and pencil lines work wonders on that problem. :B

[---k---]

Yeah, I need to get some, next time I get something from PE I guess I will, tho honestly they're more than I'd really care to spend. Surprisingly expensive for little springy pieces of metal. I suppose its worth it for the convenience.

I got three black plates and three sets of gold binding posts (091-1150), sitting here gathering dust. I'm not sure they are worth buying if you have to pay shipping. But PM me if you're interested.

[evilskillit]

Thanks K, but I stocked up on these guys at some point.

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=091-1245

Now I guess I just need some bananas.

Btw, maybe I'm easily amused but it makes me laugh on the PE site when you start typing "banana" in the search bar and after the first few letters the first suggestion is "banana banana" whats that all about?

[---k---]

No problem. You expressed interest in the plates, so I thought I would throw it out there. Just know that those binding posts won't work with the plates without adding a rubber washer or something to isolate the plate from the binding post. Otherwise, the plate will short the binding posts.

[evilskillit]

No problem. You expressed interest in the plates, so I thought I would throw it out there. Just know that those binding posts won't work with the plates without adding a rubber washer or something to isolate the plate from the binding post. Otherwise, the plate will short the binding posts.

Hrm, either I misspoke or you misunderstood me, I always just go straight through the lumber, haven't bothered with plates yet. Maybe some day I should just to see what I'm missing.

[---k---]

Ahh... my bad. You were saying you should buy some banana plugs and for some reason I thought you were saying buying plates.

[evilskillit]

Ahh... my bad. You were saying you should buy some banana plugs and for some reason I thought you were saying buying plates.

Its all good. Thanks for the offer anyways. :T

[parodielin]

Solder Tabs on the Binding Posts

I lost one solder tab on the binding posts. Could I buy it somewhere?

[evilskillit]

I lost one solder tab on the binding posts. Could I buy it somewhere?

Hrm, maybe an electornics supply place. You might even be able to find something close enough from Radio Shack. Or you might just try wrapping the wire around the binding post and soldering it. It'll probably be fine.

[Bent]

Why not drill a 4 inch hole, and glue a 5 inch backing plate on the inside of the enclosure which you can attach the binding posts to?
There - terminal cup with high quality binding posts.