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Speakers are the first thing that comes to mind when you think about musical gear and audio. More often than not, people don’t know about the different speaker connectors available on the market. Different types of speaker connectors are key to bringing the whole audio setup together.
A Comprehensive Guide To Different Types Of Speaker Connectors You Must Know:
Whether connecting speakers or setting up amplifiers, speaker connectors play a vital role. Speaker connectors come in different sizes, shapes, and types. Here in this guide, we will cover the main types of speaker connectors for you.
So, here we go:
RCA Connectors
RCA connectors are one of the most common analog connector types. You can use these connectors with amps, preamplifiers, and receivers. RCA connectors are also referred to as phono connectors. This is because these connectors were originally designed to connect a turntable to a radio receiver on a phonograph.
RCA connectors come in a color-coded form to make things easier, especially for noobs. The red-colored connector represents the right channel, while the white or black to the left one.
Additionally, different types of RCA cables also exist. These were popular for transmitting audio and video before the popularity of HDMI cables.
XLR Connectors
Here we have another one of the most common types of speaker connectors to know. Although XLR connectors are available in a variety of formats. However, the three-pin format is the most common one. This XLR connector format offers balanced signals. Additionally, these come with a design that minimizes the risk of damaging the whole system.
XLR connectors are popular for multiple reasons, including:
- These can transmit audio signals with low interference over a long distance.
- XLR connectors are a snap and don’t cause a short circuit.
- These can offer even signal transmission with minimized interference.
Therefore, XLR connectors are a popular choice for amateur and professional spread.
Banana Plugs
Speakers containing binding post terminals require banana connectors. You can attach these connectors to the speaker wires’ end to connect these to a receiver or an amp.
The spring contact available at their metal tips will hold it in the speaker. Banana connectors are commonly used to connect a surround sound system.
Banana connectors are a bit more expensive than other types of speaker connectors available in the market. For a 5-way binding post, it is always better to use dual banana connectors than a single one. Dual banana connectors are easier to connect than single ones, specifically when using these with 5-way posts.
Rf Connectors
RF connectors are here to provide high-resolution audio signals. These generally contain a needle in their middle. This needle threads into the connector’s port to secure it. RF connectors are standard to use in two-way radio for TV receivers.
Speaker Pins
Speaker pins generally refer to a smaller version of popular banana connectors. There doesn’t spring contact, which can make these fall out of the port. Therefore, you must connect the speaker pins securely to the binding ports.
Although these aren’t the most commonly used type of speaker connector. However, you can use these when no other option is available.
Speaker Terminals
These are a specific type of speaker connectors that offer speaker wire or lead termination. The key benefit of this type of speaker connector is that it often contains multiple connectors. This can save you from the installation of different sockets.
Speaker terminals are color-coded in red and black more often. This color coding can help in the identification of the wire’s polarization.
Speaker terminals usually also contain a spring-loaded lever. You can release and secure it after inserting the wire inside. This lever helps keep the wire in place. You can have a quick and easier method to secure the wire’s connection.
Final Thoughts
There are different types of speaker connectors available in the market. The quality of sound produced by speakers usually depends upon your chosen speaker connector type used. So, you must understand the available types of speaker connectors and choose the one that can meet your output needs.
Speaker Connectors – FAQs
What Are Three Common Types Of Speaker Connectors?
A variety of speaker connectors are available out there. However, the most common ones include TRS plugs of 6.5mm, RCA, and 3-pin XLR.
What Is The Most Commonly Used Cable To Connect Speakers?
RCA is the major standard cable used for unbalanced connections to your speakers. If you have ever wired up your home theater, you might have seen multiple cables.
How Can I Connect My Speakers To One Output Only?
Connect the positive terminals of each speaker to a wire. Connect the positive wires of both speakers to the single positive terminal. Now connect each speaker’s negative terminal to a speaker wire. Now connect these at the output to the same negative terminal.
How To Identify The Negative And Positive Wires Of The Speaker?
Generally, the red and ground one is positive, while the negative wire is black. In most cases, you just need to be consistent with your selection regardless of which wire you have chosen as positive or negative.