All, When hooking up all the various and sundry components...do you guys prefer direct / bare wire to binding posts...or, banana plugs (et al) into the posts.
I'm curious if plugs are more cosmetic than anything else OR, do they prevent any nasty shorts etc.
If you use "finished" cables...what brands EXCEPT monster (too pricey) do you lust for?
Unless running high power Bananna's are ok and easy for high level of movement or room shuffling.
I prefer unfinished, build your own. By far the cheapest way to get superior cables.
Try Belden Cable #9716 (16awg), #9717 (14awg), #9718 (12awg) in the ZIP cord variety (portable) or 5200UP (16awg), 5100UP (14awg), 5000UP (12awg) for in-wall constructions.
I think it's more personal preference and tied to your personal application. For example, I connect with bare wire into my speakers, but use the banana plugs to connect to my receiver. The only reason I did that was because my 12AWG wire wouldnt fit.