AudioQuest Big Sur Offers Clarity, Balance, Refinement
Writing for AudioReviews.org, Alberto Pittaluga finds there's nothing basic about AudioQuest Big Sur interconnects.
1
of
2
Loading...
Amplifier-End Connector: Multi-Spade, Banana, U-Spade, or V-Spade
Often, the choice between terminating your speaker cables with spade lugs or banana plugs will come down to personal preference. However, the EU-compliant isolated binding posts used on some power amplifiers often makes it difficult if not impossible to tighten spade lugs with high torque or pressure. In these applications, the AudioQuest banana connector is the superior choice, and may be the only choice.
AudioQuest has conducted a fairly extensive survey of contemporary amplifier manufacturers to determine whether spades or bananas will be most appropriate for a given brand and model of amplifier. Please contact us, provide the brand and model of the amplifier, and we’ll respond with the optimal connector type.
Given the girth and weight of our Mythical Creature Series speaker cables, a spade may be better capable of fully supporting the cable. This is particularly a concern with binding posts that do not allow a banana connector to fully seat into the post. The EU-compliant posts will neither accept our V-Spade nor allow our Multi-Spade to be fully seated. For these applications (or when you’re not certain), we highly recommend the U-Spade, as it can accommodate any binding post. The V-Spade is a specialty spade connector that works well with large wingnut binding posts (such as the Mundorf ), as it allows extra clearance.
Speaker-End Connector: Spade or Banana
Here we typically recommend the U-Spade or banana connector. However, even though there is less weight and pressure on this side of the cable (particularly for BiWire sets), it is nevertheless important to note the binding post’s design. If a banana connector cannot seat all the way into the binding post, we recommend one of our spade connectors.
News & Reviews
-
-
AudioQuest's Garth Powell Discusses Power with Gramophone
At Axpona 2025, Gramophone's Joe Finn chatted with AudioQuest's Senior Director of Engineering, Garth Powell, about the importance of power conditioning.
-
Introducing... PowerQuest TV3
AudioQuest is delighted to introduce the PowerQuest TV3 — a non-sacrificial surge protector in a compact metal chassis with fixed installation mounts and detachable 36" power cable — thoughtfully designed...
-
PowerQuest 505 Ignites the Imagination
With the PowerQuest 505 in his system, "the entire musical experience sounds more gripping, fresher, and more vibrant," says Lite Magazin's Volker Frech.
-
Introducing... Brave Heart ZERO-Tech Speaker Cable
AudioQuest is delighted to introduce its newest ZERO-Tech speaker cable, Brave Heart — bigger, quieter, and altogether better than any speaker cable AQ has offered at its price.
-
ThunderBird BiWire Jumpers Make Stunning Difference
AudioQuest ThunderBird BiWire jumpers represent a shocking value for the money, decides Twittering Machines' Michael Lavorgna.
-
On Bi-Wiring and Power Conditioning
AudioQuest's Niagara 3000 proves to be a first of its kind — the first power conditioner Alex Halberstadt doesn't hate, that is.
-
Scientist Says PowerQuest 303 is "Evil!"
Jürgen Krauss, founder of AudioReviews.org, is a scientist. What does he make of high-performance power conditioning? PURE EVIL.
