Connectors

[GM]

Wire size, ergo connector, rating is a function of voltage drop over distance with it increasing with increasing distance for a given drop (loss of peak transient (music) power), so choose wrong and you run the risk of the speaker cable system being a fancy series resistor that will alter its frequency and impulse (transient) response. With a high power SS amp and a typical Altec's low Qts, this can be a good thing, but there is of course a point of diminishing returns at which point the bass starts to sound 'loose'/'flabby'/'slow' with the extreme highs too rolled off.

It's always good to have at least 3 dB of dynamic headroom, so unless one only plans to use flea power, an amp/cabling system should be good for at least 2x the driver's rated continuous power or at least its peak (music) power rating if it has one and if you have an amp with a higher power rating than either, size for it if it doesn't have a 'soft' clipping circuit since the goal is to never hard clip the amp. If you're worried about damaging the drivers with an excess of power, then use in-line light-bulbs to act as 'soft' limiters.


GM

[jnorv]

What are you trying to accomplish? Enquiering minds need to know.

Jim N

[mah]

Jim,

Looking at a simple to use, not expensive, plug in connector to connect tri-amping cables to stereo Altec loudspeaker enclosures.

Marshall

[GM]

Jim,

Looking at a simple to use, not expensive, plug in connector to connect tri-amping cables to stereo Altec loudspeaker enclosures.

Marshall

When it comes to a high performance wire connection on the cheap, nothing beats a basic UL/CSA rated industrial electrical terminal strip such as this pull-apart 1492-ED103: Industrial Control - Panel Mount Blocks

GM

[magnarc]

My vote for 8 pole speakon.

I think you could still scratch up the bigger EP sized Cannons as well with 8 pins.

[jnorv]

This is what Altec put on the back of my Stanley Screamers. They did not come with crossovers.

[Panomaniac]

EP size Cannon. Haven't seen those in ages! Pretty good connector, IIRC.

[GM]

This is what Altec put on the back of my Stanley Screamers.

Yeah, not only inexpensive, but decades of short circuit testing has proven beyond all doubt that the best electrical power distribution connection is a cold soldered (crimped) ring tongue one.

GM

[GM]

I think you could still scratch up the bigger EP sized Cannons as well with 8 pins.

On the 'cheap'? These have always been at a premium around here, so unless the app requires mil-spec grade connectors for extremes in temp/vibration/whatever, not worth it IME unless they can be had as cheaply as industrial panel connectors which perform at least as good electrically.

GM

[aditya]

..........If you're worried about damaging the drivers with an excess of power, then use in-line light-bulbs to act as 'soft' limiters.


GM

Hi GM,

As usual you have again given a very good tip here.
I/We use a bulb in series with the mains before powering up an old/unused/suspected equipment. But it had never occured to me to be able to use it in series with the speakers. Yes its a very good idea. Many many thanks.

Aditya