The conversation around binding posts can get complicated. What are binding posts? Does quality matter? If you have ever used a passive or wired speaker, you’ve used a binding post. How important are they and should you care more about them? We answer all your questions in this article.
Table of Contents
What Is A Binding Post?
A Binding post refers to the terminals responsible for connecting passive speakers. Passive or wired speakers require a power amplifier. A binding post is utilized to connect speaker wire when it terminates on either end. They are essential for setting up any speaker system. For that reason, you will find binding posts on amps, passive speakers, and AV receivers. Most of the discourse revolves around binding posts is about those found on speakers though. Most speakers we review use five way binding posts.
Do Binding Posts Make A Difference?
Now that we’ve answered the question of exactly what binding posts do, we’ll address their construction. All speaker binding posts serve the same purpose and objective. Facilitating and maintaining a secure connection of the speaker wire to the binding post. The actual construction of the binding posts can vary though. If you actually search for binding post, you’ll see the difference. Below you’ll find a breakdown of how a binding post can vary by material, form factor, and more. We will also address the impact, if any, that this has on sound quality.
Does Binding Post Material Matter?
In trying to achieve the best sound quality possible, people will try various types of material. A metallic post can be made up of silver, copper, gold, brass, and more. Most higher-end passive speakers come with gold-plated binding posts. For those that buy their own binding post, they may target a different type of metal. There are a couple lines of thinking here.
A big reason gold binding posts are the default is oxidation. Some other metals are more likely to oxidize. Conductivity can suffer when oxidation occurs in connector material. Gold has low reactivity and is unlikely to oxidize. That’s why gold binding posts are popular. Some insist that other types of metal are better for sound quality though. Cardas binding posts are popular with audio enthusiasts and they use copper for their binding posts.
Do gold binding posts provide the best sound quality? Some will say they notice an improvement in sound quality when they use copper binding posts. Other swear if the metallic post attached to your speaker wire is rhodium, you will get the best sound quality. Several more others will say there is no audible difference.
Here’s the bottom line. I’m all for working to improve your individual audio listening experience in any way possible. I’m still unable to advocate spending an exorbitant amount of money on rhodium binding posts just because of the material they’re made of. There just simply isn’t enough evidence to confirm it actually makes an audible difference. A variety of components come into play when setting your speakers for the optimal experience. Most of the existing evidence says there are several other things you are better off spending your money on.
What’s The Best Way To Connect Speaker Wire?
In addition to binding post material, the method of making the connection is a topic of concern. A binding post is simply an electrical apparatus that facilitates the connection of speaker wire. Binding posts can have different form factors. While most are color-coded, the actual construction design can vary. Spring clip binding posts are a simple construction reserved for lower-end passive speakers.
Most people will be more familiar with five-way binding posts that allow for multiple methods of connection. That includes bare wire where striped speaker wires can simply be inserted into the terminal. On the other hand, banana plugs allow you to attach bare speaker wire. The banana plugs can then carry the power and audio signal. Many people prefer banana plugs since they can add more assurance that proper contact has been established with the binding posts. Pin connectors, alligator clips, and lug terminals are also popular ways of establishing a connection.
Does the method of connecting to a bind post impact sound quality at all? This one is actually slightly easier to answer. The truth is this comes completely down to preference. Sure. If you in particular are more adept at using a pin connector, then you should stick with that method. Most of these methods aren’t particularly difficult to execute though. When done correctly, all these methods can effectively establish and maintain a secure connection. Contact and a secure connection from your speaker to your power amplifier or receiver is the main objective. How your speaker wires connect to binding posts is more about your preference.
Keith Collins has been writing for over 15 years for various publications. He’s a lover of music, home theater, and excellent sound quality. His fondness for technology in addition to his non-stop curiosity fuels his writing ventures.