Speaker jack terminal cup vs bolt with washers?

[cchheett 10+ year member]

Someday I will build another sub woofer box, but I have a question for anyone that could answer a question for me. I usually just use the normal circle type speaker jack terminals, but i have heard people using a round ring terminal on there speaker wire, and just using a bolt through there sub woofer box. With washers and a nut. I have never used them like that, but to me that looks like it would be a really good connection. Anyone know if one is better then the other. Thanks for your time.

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[CSCStang]

Those terminals tend to leak air. I drill a tight hole and run the wire into the box and caulk around the inside and outside. Makes a good seal and the wire goes straight from the amp to the sub.

 

[supra1987]

Bolts for sure.easier to install,better connections.my opinion of course

 

[bubbagumper6 5,000+ posts]

Cup terminals leak air, a properly installed bolt will not. I prefer the latter with a set of set screw lugs so I can remove the wires if need be.

 

[cchheett 10+ year member]

Anyone know if they sell some online? Or does it not matter what bolts you use? I have just heard that people have used it, so i have never really seen them.Thanks again.

 

[bubbagumper6 5,000+ posts]

I usually go for regular stainless steel bolts from the hardware store. If you want a little bit better conductivity you could try and find some brass bolts but I've never had an issue with stainless steel.

 

[Bomber Z 10+ year member]

I just bought brass m8x60 fit the ring terminal prefect and the Rose dull 8ga terminals. gone through 2 double faced 3/4 birch. I picked up the brass bolts on Amazon and the Rose Audio 8.g terminals from Xplicit audio Rose Auto Dual 8g Speaker Terminals - Xplicit Audio

 

[rc10mike 10+ year member]

This is the best option here if you dont want to look like a hack noob. I use them on all of my boxes.

https://www.parts-express.com/dayton-audio-bpa-38g-hd-binding-post-pair-gold--091-1245

 

[CrossoverOre 10+ year member]

some of the decision also boils down to what kind of subs and power you are running. On the average system terminal cups do just fine. But if you get around 1k rms things can get a little hot with the terminal cups plus some air leakage. The bigger of the problems I've seen is from the heat just melting down terminal cups cuz of the plastic. I would suggest either stainless bolts (especially in oregon) or the link that rc10mike posted.

 

[The Camry]

So uh. How would one go about using the ones rc10mike linked... One side is obviously just a binding post and the other, do you just use a ring terminal?

 

[CheЯRyMan]

From sub to amp with no breaks or connections is always the most efficient method if you are going for a more polished look try these push terminals on both sides connected by a threaded rod no washers or nuts to tighten. Parts Express Dual-Ended Gold Binding Post Speaker Terminal Pair

 

[marcos65]

I just use carriage bolts.

 

[negolien]

Nice wish I would have thought of that lol.