AudioCircle

Industry Circles => GR Research => Topic started by: Danny Richie on 27 Apr 2011, 09:47 pm

Title: Electra tube connector installation instructions.
Post by: Danny Richie on 27 Apr 2011, 09:47 pm
I have been asked to post some instructions on how to install the Electra tube connectors.

(http://gr-research.com/pics/pairpic.jpg)

If you have not seen the Electra tube connectors then follow this link to our website and read all about them:  http://gr-research.com/electracabletubeconnectors.aspx

These things beat any binding post ever made.

They install faster and easier than any binding post as well. Just follow these step by step instruction and you'll see just how easy it really is.

First you'll need to drill a 7/16" hole in your enclosure. These also work just as well in any enclosure thickness so no problems even with thick or multilayer walls.

Then feed the wire through the hole until it pokes out far enough for you to get a hold of it. 2 to 3 inches is fine. And slide your heat shrink on before you forget it.

Now a very important part to remember is to take the male stud that comes with the tube connectors and insert it into the end of the tube connector. This gives the internal wire a stopping point when you insert it. And the whole idea behind the tube connector is to get tip to tip contact from the internal wire to the speaker wire.

Now that you have a stopping point you can insert the internal wire from the speaker into the tube connector until it touches the stud inside of it. Then you mark its depth and strip it that far back.

(http://www.gr-research.com/mis/step1.jpg)

Insert it and note that the insulation comes to the end of the tube connector. Now you are ready to crimp it.

(http://www.gr-research.com/mis/step2.jpg)

When you go to crimp it make sure that the part of the crimping tool that pokes up goes into the back side of the tube connector because there is a slit in the tube on the front side.

(http://www.gr-research.com/mis/step3.jpg)

Then crimp it right in the middle of the end of it.

(http://www.gr-research.com/mis/step4.jpg)

Now note how it looks on the back side.

(http://www.gr-research.com/mis/step4back.jpg)

And the front side.

(http://www.gr-research.com/mis/step4top.jpg)

Then you solder it to seal the opening from any air passage.

(http://www.gr-research.com/mis/step5.jpg)

Then slide the heat shrink down over it and seal it.

(http://www.gr-research.com/mis/step6.jpg)

Now you can add just a slight amount of sealer around the outside of the tube connector. I use clear Silicone myself. Then press it into the pre-drilled hole. If you have to lightly tap it in with a small hammer that's okay too. It will smoothly drive in with very light taps.

Now wasn't that fast and easy?  :thumb:

And for the male plug, just strip the wire back and insert. This one has three 16 gauge conductors spiral wound.

(http://gr-research.com/pics/male1.jpg)

After inserting it, and sliding it all the way to the end, just crip it, solder it, and slide some heat shrink up on it.

(http://gr-research.com/pics/male2.jpg)

And a bonus is that it sounds better than a binding post.  :banana piano:

Also see a review from New Record Day on the tube connectors.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLnBW3wuBSU&feature=youtu.be

"Repeatable and easy to detect differences", even on one of our budget level kits and with an inexpensive system.  :thumb:
Title: Re: Electra tube connector installation instructions.
Post by: HT cOz on 27 Apr 2011, 10:50 pm
Danny great tutorial. Any ideas on what to use to terminate the speaker wires?
Title: Re: Electra tube connector installation instructions.
Post by: Danny Richie on 27 Apr 2011, 11:26 pm
Danny great tutorial. Any ideas on what to use to terminate the speaker wires?

Terminate them with the male studs that come with a set of tube connectors. They are easy to install too. They are hollow all the way to the tip so it gets your speaker wire into the speaker and right up against the internal wire.  :thumb:

You can also use standard banana plugs as they fit perfectly too.
Title: Re: Electra tube connector installation instructions.
Post by: Ron on 28 Apr 2011, 11:47 am
 I too think it is a great tutorial. This information should be very helpful to those who have never installed Electra Tube connectors before. I really like these connectors. They are easy to install and provide a better connection than most standard type binding post. For those who plan to use double type bananna plugs, be sure to space the connectors 3/4" apart center to center.
Title: Re: Electra tube connector installation instructions.
Post by: chip on 28 Apr 2011, 02:08 pm
Interesting as I soldered mine - is that a bad thing?
I am guessing that defeats the purpose of your mention of point to point contact.

If you are using speaker wire could you solder the speaker wire and then insert/crimp like you show?
Title: Re: Electra tube connector installation instructions.
Post by: Danny Richie on 28 Apr 2011, 03:47 pm
Quote
If you are using speaker wire could you solder the speaker wire and then insert/crimp like you show?

I am not sure if you are talking about internal or external speaker wire, but no need to solder until after inserting and crimping.
Title: Re: Electra tube connector installation instructions.
Post by: chip on 28 Apr 2011, 03:54 pm
wire from receiver to speaker -

For the wires / binding posts I pushed in as far as possible like you recommended and then soldered the piece with no crimping.
Title: Re: Electra tube connector installation instructions.
Post by: Danny Richie on 28 Apr 2011, 04:16 pm
wire from receiver to speaker -

For the wires / binding posts I pushed in as far as possible like you recommended and then soldered the piece with no crimping.

So long as it was soldered well and the hole was sealed then you are fine.
Title: Re: Electra tube connector installation instructions.
Post by: chip on 28 Apr 2011, 04:23 pm
What do you mean hole was sealed?
Title: Re: Electra tube connector installation instructions.
Post by: jtwrace on 28 Apr 2011, 04:31 pm
What do you mean hole was sealed?


Danny said:

Quote
Now you can add just a slight amount of sealer around the outside of the tube connector. I use clear Silicone myself. Then press it into the pre-drilled hole. If you have to lightly tap it in with a small hammer that's okay too. It will smoothly drive in with very light taps.


Title: Re: Electra tube connector installation instructions.
Post by: Danny Richie on 28 Apr 2011, 05:03 pm
What do you mean hole was sealed?

I meant the hole in the center of the tube. It is completely hollow from end to end.
Title: Re: Electra tube connector installation instructions.
Post by: jtwrace on 28 Apr 2011, 05:05 pm
I meant the hole in the center of the tube. It is completely hollow from end to end.

Oops.  I was trying to seal the wrong hole again.   :oops:
Title: Re: Electra tube connector installation instructions.
Post by: Danny Richie on 28 Apr 2011, 05:17 pm
Oops.  I was trying to seal the wrong hole again.   :oops:

So that's what you told her huh?  :lol:
Title: Re: Electra tube connector installation instructions.
Post by: chip on 28 Apr 2011, 05:33 pm
 :rotflmao: :rotflmao:
Title: Re: Electra tube connector installation instructions.
Post by: praedet on 30 Apr 2011, 01:17 pm
So, to install these things in an amp, I am planning on putting it through the hole that currently exists for the binding post (It appears to be a 1/2" hole) and then use a piece of wood on the back side with a 7/16" hole drilled into it so that the Tube connector is solid.  For now I planned to do without glue or silicon as the amp doesn't need to be sealed :lol: and I can also undo the set-up easily if I need to that way.  Does that sound right?

Ted
Title: Re: Electra tube connector installation instructions.
Post by: jtwrace on 30 Apr 2011, 02:04 pm
 I'm surprised that Danny hasn't come out with the equipment side version for all you converts.
Title: Re: Electra tube connector installation instructions.
Post by: Danny Richie on 30 Apr 2011, 02:55 pm
Quote
Does that sound right?

Yep.

I'm surprised that Danny hasn't come out with the equipment side version for all you converts.

I have talked about it with Electra Cable. It sounds like the up front tooling cost for yet another version would be quite high. I don't think they plan on it any time soon.
Title: Re: Electra tube connector installation instructions.
Post by: DeeJayBump on 30 Apr 2011, 11:44 pm
How well do these connectors work with bare wire-end speaker cables like Grover or Mapleshade cables?
Title: Re: Electra tube connector installation instructions.
Post by: praedet on 1 May 2011, 03:21 am
In my opinion, they will only work with those if you terminate them with the male half of the Electra Tube connector set-up...

The connectors are on the amp now.  I'll get some pics in the morning.  I went ahead and glued them as there was not enough friction to keep them in the chassis when I pulled on the speaker wire...
Title: Re: Electra tube connector installation instructions.
Post by: praedet on 1 May 2011, 05:40 pm
In a Class D Amp..

(http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e257/praedet/DIY%20Audio/ba340d31.jpg)
(http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e257/praedet/DIY%20Audio/8f9600ce.jpg)
Title: Re: Electra tube connector installation instructions.
Post by: drmike on 5 Sep 2011, 12:32 am
do you still sell these? how much$?
thanks,
drmike
Title: Re: Electra tube connector installation instructions.
Post by: Danny Richie on 5 Sep 2011, 04:15 am
Yep, I have them in stock. Call or e-mail me for special pricing.
Title: Re: Electra tube connector installation instructions.
Post by: drmike on 5 Sep 2011, 04:05 pm
how much for 2 pairs?
thanks,
michael stevener
Title: Re: Electra tube connector installation instructions.
Post by: Danny Richie on 5 Sep 2011, 04:18 pm
See PM.
Title: Re: Electra tube connector installation instructions.
Post by: lostthumb on 1 Jan 2012, 12:59 am
Hello Danny,
I am interested in purchasing a set of 2 pairs of these connectors.

Do you have them in stock?

Thanks.
Title: Re: Electra tube connector installation instructions.
Post by: Danny Richie on 1 Jan 2012, 01:46 am
Hello Danny,
I am interested in purchasing a set of 2 pairs of these connectors.

Do you have them in stock?

Thanks.

Sure, I have some of them in stock. Just call to order.
Title: Re: Electra tube connector installation instructions.
Post by: rpf on 1 Jan 2012, 05:14 am
Just a note that I purchased a couple of pairs from Danny a few months ago and they arrived very quickly.

They were also easily installed and sound great!

Rob
Title: Re: Electra tube connector installation instructions.
Post by: mykyll2727 on 1 Oct 2012, 08:59 pm
Danny, I saw no metioned of it but I could've missed it. Up to what size/gauge speaker wire will the studs accept?
Title: Re: Electra tube connector installation instructions.
Post by: Danny Richie on 1 Oct 2012, 09:25 pm
Danny, I saw no metioned of it but I could've missed it. Up to what size/gauge speaker wire will the studs accept?

I know it will take 12 gauge. I will have to check to see if it will take 10. 
Title: Re: Electra tube connector installation instructions.
Post by: mykyll2727 on 1 Oct 2012, 09:47 pm
Thanks. The speaker cables I use are 10ga to the fronts and 11ga to the center and surrounds. That's why I asked.
Title: Re: Electra tube connector installation instructions.
Post by: Danny Richie on 1 Oct 2012, 10:11 pm
Thanks. The speaker cables I use are 10ga to the fronts and 11ga to the center and surrounds. That's why I asked.

Those must be some massive power hungry speakers with big voice coil drivers and big amps.
Title: Re: Electra tube connector installation instructions.
Post by: mykyll2727 on 1 Oct 2012, 10:32 pm
Big amps yes. :wink: 525wX6 @8 ohms. Speakers not so much. Got the cables on various auctions over the years. They just happen to be that size. :roll:
Title: Re: Electra tube connector installation instructions.
Post by: Skiman on 9 Oct 2012, 09:16 pm
I recently installed the male connectors on 10 AWG speaker wire, but it's a little tricky. The internal wall of the male tube has a small groove aboout half way down. When inserting 10 gauge wire, the strand ends will hang up on the groove as it's being inserted. When this happens, don't force it, or the wire strands will bend and it will not slide past. When feeling this resistance, twist slightly until the ends are free. I rounded the strand ends by trimming the corners, to help it slide past the groove. Also, make sure that the bare wire strands are as straight as possible to begin with.

This should not be an issue with smaller diameter wire.
Title: Re: Electra tube connector installation instructions.
Post by: mykyll2727 on 9 Oct 2012, 11:45 pm
Thanks! I appreciate the info. So taper the ends a bit, go slow and easy and if it hangs up just kinda gently screw the cable in.
Title: Re: Electra tube connector installation instructions.
Post by: Skiman on 10 Oct 2012, 04:15 am
Thanks! I appreciate the info. So taper the ends a bit, go slow and easy and if it hangs up just kinda gently screw the cable in.

Yep. After messing up once, I practiced on a leftover wire section I had. If one little strand gets caught in the groove, don't force it, or it will bend around and then the all the strands will not go through. Keep the strands straight. Remember to get the strands all the way to the end of the tube, as that is the benefit of the design.

Initially, I didn't think it was possible for 10 AWG to fit. But that was the wire I had, threaded through and behind several walls back to my equipment rack. My new LS center speaker came with these connectors, and after initially failing to get them on, I gave up and reattached my bannana plugs. A more careful second try got the tube connectors on, and I am so happy I did. The sonic improvement over bannana plugs was just amazing. 
Title: Re: Electra tube connector installation instructions.
Post by: mykyll2727 on 10 Oct 2012, 08:43 am
Yep. After messing up once, I practiced on a leftover wire section I had. If one little strand gets caught in the groove, don't force it, or it will bend around and then the all the strands will not go through. Keep the strands straight. Remember to get the strands all the way to the end of the tube, as that is the benefit of the design.

Initially, I didn't think it was possible for 10 AWG to fit. But that was the wire I had, threaded through and behind several walls back to my equipment rack. My new LS center speaker came with these connectors, and after initially failing to get them on, I gave up and reattached my bannana plugs. A more careful second try got the tube connectors on, and I am so happy I did. The sonic improvement over bannana plugs was just amazing.


Excellent. Thanks for the info! I was concerned that I might have to rely on bananas because the cable would be too thick. That made me question if it'd be worth the upgrade. I definitely plan on giving them a go now.
Title: Re: Electra tube connector installation instructions.
Post by: jeffh on 4 Apr 2015, 05:38 pm
 :thumb: Great directions, Danny.  Thanks for posting.  I just installed these in my LGK 1.0 speakers.
Title: Re: Electra tube connector installation instructions.
Post by: WC on 29 Mar 2018, 08:25 pm
What is the minimum wall thickness the tube connectors can work with? Amp back panel.
Title: Re: Electra tube connector installation instructions.
Post by: Danny Richie on 29 Mar 2018, 08:53 pm
What is the minimum wall thickness the tube connectors can work with? Amp back panel.

I just used them in the back of the little Folsom amp. The back plate was thin steal. I slide them through the 7/16" diameter hole and hot glued them in. So far so good.

(http://gr-research.com/amps/folsom4.jpg)
Title: Re: Electra tube connector installation instructions.
Post by: ebag4 on 22 May 2019, 01:59 am
Off topic question Danny, are you running the Folsom amp off a 12V battery? If so did you compare it to the Folsom power supply?  I have the Folsom power supply but have considered modifying it for battery power.  I seem to recall Folsom stating that you need 19 volts to get the best out of it but I don’t currently have a good 24vdc charging solution.

Best,
Ed
Title: Re: Electra tube connector installation instructions.
Post by: Danny Richie on 22 May 2019, 02:22 pm
Off topic question Danny, are you running the Folsom amp off a 12V battery? If so did you compare it to the Folsom power supply?  I have the Folsom power supply but have considered modifying it for battery power.  I seem to recall Folsom stating that you need 19 volts to get the best out of it but I don’t currently have a good 24vdc charging solution.

Best,
Ed

I A/B compared the Folsom amp on a battery and on the power supply. I also still power a pair of mono-blocks using that same chip using a battery.

With the Folsom amp I got a little bit better sound from the battery.

My problem with plugging anything into the wall is how different any device can sound with different power cables and power conditioning. 

And then whatever combination works best here at my house my not be the best combination when I go to a show.

And the best sound that I got with the Folsom amp on the power supply used a pricey power cable to an Uber Buss, to another pricey power cable, to a Dodd Audio balanced power supply, then another pricey power cable. There was almost $3,000 worth of gear in front of it. And then I got better sound from a $220 100 amp hour Power Sonic battery.

And the 14 volt power from the battery gave up nothing to the higher voltage power supply. The power levels and output were about the same. 
Title: Re: Electra tube connector installation instructions.
Post by: ebag4 on 22 May 2019, 11:30 pm
Thanks Danny, I still have a couple of the Powersonic 100ah batts, I think I will give it a shot.

I didn’t realize this was a sticky thread, feel free to remove my off topic posts.

Best,
Ed
Title: Re: Electra tube connector installation instructions.
Post by: S Clark on 23 May 2019, 12:00 am
Just to be clear, are you running Jeremy's amp or the Chinese TDA 7297 pair that you modded?   Although they both use the same chip, one runs on 12V and the other on  20+V
Title: Re: Electra tube connector installation instructions.
Post by: Danny Richie on 23 May 2019, 12:54 pm
Just to be clear, are you running Jeremy's amp or the Chinese TDA 7297 pair that you modded?   Although they both use the same chip, one runs on 12V and the other on  20+V

I've had both. And I compared the two and compared the Folsom version with the power supply and a battery.
Title: Re: Electra tube connector installation instructions.
Post by: 214bobd on 4 Dec 2019, 10:04 pm
Will AWG 12 cable work just fine with these?

Title: Re: Electra tube connector installation instructions.
Post by: mlundy57 on 4 Dec 2019, 10:57 pm
Will AWG 12 cable work just fine with these?

Yes

Mike
Title: Re: Electra tube connector installation instructions.
Post by: birkbott on 10 Dec 2019, 09:58 pm
Terminate them with the male studs that come with a set of tube connectors. They are easy to install too. They are hollow all the way to the tip so it gets your speaker wire into the speaker and right up against the internal wire.  :thumb:

You can also use standard banana plugs as they fit perfectly too.

Thanks for specifying this, I was worried about what to do if I ever needed to change speaker cables or length.
Title: Re: Electra tube connector installation instructions.
Post by: Danny Richie on 11 Dec 2019, 02:38 am
Thanks for specifying this, I was worried about what to do if I ever needed to change speaker cables or length.

We can also sell you just the male ends for $3.00 each.
Title: Electra Tube Connectors in Europe?
Post by: JeanDoute on 11 Dec 2019, 12:56 pm
Who distributes Electra tube connectors in Europe?
Title: Re: Electra Tube Connectors in Europe?
Post by: Danny Richie on 11 Dec 2019, 02:14 pm
Who distributes Electra tube connectors in Europe?

Just order whatever you need from us and we can mail them to you.
Title: Re: Electra tube connector installation instructions.
Post by: Vintagevinyl on 24 Jul 2020, 11:20 am
Thanks. Good tutorial.
Title: Re: Electra tube connector installation instructions.
Post by: hallcon83 on 20 Oct 2020, 04:47 pm
Hi Danny, Can I use Tube connectors on a bi-wired/ bi-amped speaker - normally there are Two sets of binding posts , one set above the other... and when not bi-amping , or bi-wiring , there is just a set of wires I made that connect the bottom set of posts to the top set of posts.... But I'm not sure how you could do it with tube connectors??

Thank you, Dean
Title: Re: Electra tube connector installation instructions.
Post by: Danny Richie on 20 Oct 2020, 07:22 pm
Hi Danny, Can I use Tube connectors on a bi-wired/ bi-amped speaker - normally there are Two sets of binding posts , one set above the other... and when not bi-amping , or bi-wiring , there is just a set of wires I made that connect the bottom set of posts to the top set of posts.... But I'm not sure how you could do it with tube connectors??

Thank you, Dean

No problem, just add a second set.
Title: Re: Electra tube connector installation instructions.
Post by: hallcon83 on 25 Oct 2020, 03:28 pm
Hi, what I don't understand is how you would connect the top and the bottom set of tube connectors together if you are just running one amplifier - the male ends would need to either have a 45 degree entrance or allow a second set of connectors to slide into the back of them, So you could loop the wire to the second set of tube connectors ....  ( please see other examples below )

-----------------

so I usually use a bare wire on a 5 way binding post -

(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=216195)


other people use a Bar connector -


(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=216202)


---------------------------------------


Here are some examples for Banana type connectors ---

these use a 45 degree attachment point

(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=216197)



Klei stacks their connectors

1 - (https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=216198)

2 -
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=216199)

-------------------------------


here are two other ways some do it ...

1 -
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=216200)


2 -
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=216201)


----------------

Any ideas - thank you


Title: Re: Electra tube connector installation instructions.
Post by: Hobbsmeerkat on 25 Oct 2020, 04:21 pm
Assuming you don't plan to ever bi-wire/bi-amp:

You can leave one set stock, and replace the other with tube connectors.

Then on the inside, you have both sets of crossovers & binding post cables all twisted together feeding into the tube connectors.

That way there's no need for the extra connections, and you can A-B both connectors to hear the differences directly.

I did something similar with my XLS tho they're not bi-wire capable, but the process works the same, but just replacing one pair rather than drilling new holes.

(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=214345& size=large)

(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=214346&size=large)

Hope that makes sense!  :thumb:
Title: Re: Electra tube connector installation instructions.
Post by: hallcon83 on 26 Oct 2020, 11:19 am
-  Hi Hobbs , Thank you for the Ideas, but I really want to leave the option open to be able to Bi-Amp or not Bi-Amp...

- I really hope another idea shows up... I have another friend with the same issue and I wanted to recommend Tube Connectors to him too.


 ---  I do have one other idea on how to do the same thing as the Tube Connectors but will make the speaker cables that run to my speakers unable to be used with other speakers that I have....

Best regards,
Title: Re: Electra tube connector installation instructions.
Post by: Hobbsmeerkat on 26 Oct 2020, 03:37 pm
-  Hi Hobbs , Thank you for the Ideas, but I really want to leave the option open to be able to Bi-Amp or not Bi-Amp...

- I really hope another idea shows up... I have another friend with the same issue and I wanted to recommend Tube Connectors to him too.


 ---  I do have one other idea on how to do the same thing as the Tube Connectors but will make the speaker cables that run to my speakers unable to be used with other speakers that I have....

Best regards,

Ah okay that definitely changes some things & I think the solution depends on your cables.

You would have to replace all 4 posts with tube connectors, and depending on your cables, have them terminate into forked ends, or like one of your above examples, have a smaller cable coming from the main connection, & terminating into the 2nd set of connectors.

It just depends on how willing you are to mod both your speakers and cables.
Title: Re: Electra tube connector installation instructions.
Post by: corndog71 on 26 Oct 2020, 03:42 pm
I wonder if this is such a good idea in the long run. Speakers change owners.  If someone were to try to biamp Hobbs speakers not realizing both pairs are connected it could cause problems.
Title: Re: Electra tube connector installation instructions.
Post by: Hobbsmeerkat on 26 Oct 2020, 03:56 pm
I wonder if this is such a good idea in the long run. Speakers change owners.  If someone were to try to biamp Hobbs speakers not realizing both pairs are connected it could cause problems.

And thats a fair point, esp if they are modified retail speakers.
Its likely not going to be something most people will understand outside of this forum/Danny's customers

I went with my approach since it allows for A/B comparisons, and freedom of connection use.

Tho considering that most bi-amp capable speakers usually will have 4 terminals within the same cup, with my XLS having two separate pairs of connectors that look quite different, & are located separately.. but the typical user might not understand that and cause problems for the speakers, amps, or both.

I dont plan to sell my speakers tho. :P
Title: Re: Electra tube connector installation instructions.
Post by: Dpoteat on 4 Jan 2021, 04:40 pm
Question: I know these are the best connection when you have to have some kind of post, but would there be any benefit to speaker wires directly attached?  Like your 24 strand version soldered directly to the crossover?

Also, what is the best connection for on the amp end? Banana? Bare wire?
Title: Re: Electra tube connector installation instructions.
Post by: Danny Richie on 5 Jan 2021, 02:22 pm
Question: I know these are the best connection when you have to have some kind of post, but would there be any benefit to speaker wires directly attached?  Like your 24 strand version soldered directly to the crossover?

At some point that wire needed to pass through the cabinet. So that makes a cable like our 24 strand braid a bit unpractical. There needs to be some type of connection that allows it to pass through the cabinet.

Quote
Also, what is the best connection for on the amp end? Banana? Bare wire?

Bare wire will oxidize and degrade the signal.

Another set of tube connectors is best. If that isn't an option that a spade connection is the best connection for a typical binding post.


Title: Re: Electra tube connector installation instructions.
Post by: kwatz on 11 Jan 2021, 02:56 pm
Another set of tube connectors is best. If that isn't an option that a spade connection is the best connection for a typical binding post.

Hi Danny, are tube connectors compatible with the type of outputs featured in these pics (Marantz SR8015)?

(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=219416)

(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=219417)
Title: Re: Electra tube connector installation instructions.
Post by: corndog71 on 11 Jan 2021, 05:42 pm
Male tube connectors will fit into traditional binding posts but are slightly smaller and therefore can fall out if the cable is bumped.  I still use them.

Male tube connectors are very snug in the female tube connectors.

 
Title: Re: Electra tube connector installation instructions.
Post by: Danny Richie on 11 Jan 2021, 05:58 pm
Hi Danny, are tube connectors compatible with the type of outputs featured in these pics (Marantz SR8015)?

The male ends are really only designed to work with the female tube connectors.
Title: Re: Electra tube connector installation instructions.
Post by: kwatz on 11 Jan 2021, 07:05 pm
The male ends are really only designed to work with the female tube connectors.

Male tube connectors are very snug in the female tube connectors.

Got it, thanks. So for binding posts like this, are spades, raw wire connections or banana plugs preferred? I'm building out my theater system now and plan to get one of Marantz's AVRs, and the manuals only mention doing a raw wire connection. Just wondering which connection on the amp side of the DIY cables I should order. I got the tube connectors on the X-Statiks I bought.
Title: Re: Electra tube connector installation instructions.
Post by: Hobbsmeerkat on 11 Jan 2021, 07:21 pm
Got it, thanks. So for binding posts like this, are spades, raw wire connections or banana plugs preferred? I'm building out my theater system now and plan to get one of Marantz's AVRs, and the manuals only mention doing a raw wire connection. Just wondering which connection on the amp side of the DIY cables I should order. I got the tube connectors on the X-Statiks I bought.

From most people, spades seem to be the best option, but bananas should be good too, just a tad more convenient.
Title: Re: Electra tube connector installation instructions.
Post by: Cblan1224 on 18 Mar 2021, 07:18 am
-  Hi Hobbs , Thank you for the Ideas, but I really want to leave the option open to be able to Bi-Amp or not Bi-Amp...

- I really hope another idea shows up... I have another friend with the same issue and I wanted to recommend Tube Connectors to him too.


 ---  I do have one other idea on how to do the same thing as the Tube Connectors but will make the speaker cables that run to my speakers unable to be used with other speakers that I have....

Best regards,
Why not replace both with tube connectors and do a traditional bi-wire speaker cable instead of using a jumper? If you want to leave the option for bi-amping, and still have tube connectors, this is the way to go.
I have been having similar thoughts. This will mean if you are not biamping, you will have to biwire, which is what you're doing already anyway. You'd just have the jumper to be on the cable instead of the binding post, which some people prefer anyway. Mostly anyone who sells cables will have a biwire cable, or you can make it yourself by counter braiding 4 16awg cables together(2 pairs), connecting both positives into the single amp end, and one each for the Tube connector. Same for negative. Easy to do as well with a braided cable like the one Danny sells.

So if you don't want to connect the wires internally, you can do it externally, without a binding post. Upgrading your speakers components usually does not hurt resale, I've come to find.

Apologies if this has already been addressed, I'm still on page 3 of the thread!
Title: Re: Electra tube connector installation instructions.
Post by: dvenardos on 29 Mar 2021, 01:23 am
I don’t solder very often and am am having trouble with the sealing the male plug with solder step. How are you guys doing this? I seem to be heating up the entire plug and not getting the solder to melt.

Edit: just going with crimp and no solder and then heat shrink tubing.
Title: Re: Electra tube connector installation instructions.
Post by: jlucas on 7 Oct 2021, 09:41 am
Th way the first post reads it sounds like there should be pictures.  Did those get lost along the way?   Can they get fixed?
Title: Re: Electra tube connector installation instructions.
Post by: Hobbsmeerkat on 7 Oct 2021, 01:29 pm
Th way the first post reads it sounds like there should be pictures.  Did those get lost along the way?   Can they get fixed?

It happened when Danny moved off the old website/server, it broke all of his pictures that it hosted.
It's not likely to be fixed, unfortunately.

But danny does have this video installing them on the XLS:
https://youtu.be/uevd5RFXwCU
Title: Re: Electra tube connector installation instructions.
Post by: DGoosen on 5 Nov 2021, 04:42 pm
Not sure if this already got answered, but here goes:
If you can't change your binding posts (it's a long story) on your amp but have pin connectors on your speakers is there a problem or much of a compromise in using a banana to pin speaker cable?
Title: Re: Electra tube connector installation instructions.
Post by: Danny Richie on 12 Nov 2021, 01:46 pm
Not sure if this already got answered, but here goes:
If you can't change your binding posts (it's a long story) on your amp but have pin connectors on your speakers is there a problem or much of a compromise in using a banana to pin speaker cable?

Pins and banana's are both pretty low on the totem pole. If there is any way you can use a pure Copper spade it will be an improvement.
Title: Re: Electra tube connector installation instructions.
Post by: jrocks29ms@gmail.com on 23 Jan 2022, 12:31 pm
If you refer to the photo of the marantz amplifier, the black connector protector/guide prevents spades from being able to be used on most all marantz or denon amplifiers and receivers. I found bare wire to be not only brutish but not good for adjustments. So far, besides tube connectors, the best banana plug I’ve found so far are rhodium plated solid silver, low mass, and can be crimped and soldered to bare wire. These sound the best of any banana or plug I’ve ever used.
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=235837)

One note on the tube connector Installation. The instructional videos I’ve watched were awesome and a great help. I have one tip. When you are determining how much speaker wire to insert into the female tube connector post, by using the male plug, inserted as a guide. Let the wire touch the tip, then insert about 1/8to 1/16 of an inch more than will touch the tip of the male tube connector. This ensures when crimping and soldering is performed that there will be contact between the male tube connector end, and your bare wire leading to the crossover. This tiny contact point makes a dramatic difference when made, and is a dramatic setback when missed. The clarity level is way higher when it is touching, if your tube connectors “fully slide into the tube connector female sleeve, how do you actually know if it is touching. Mine have about. 1/16” gap to the end, and therefore I know the main benifit is being realized. Tip to tip “docking” lol
I have not seen anyone recommend doing this, and I think it’s worth passing along.
Title: Re: Electra tube connector installation instructions.
Post by: jmimac351 on 23 Aug 2023, 10:29 pm

Original Post from Danny regarding assembly...

===========

I have been asked to post some instructions on how to install the Electra tube connectors.


(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=255908)

If you have not seen the Electra tube connectors then follow this link to the Electra Cable website and read all about them: http://www.electracable.com/tubeconnector.htm

These things beat any binding post ever made.

They install faster and easier than any binding post as well. Just follow these step by step instruction and you'll see just how easy it really is.

First you'll need to drill a 7/16" hole in your enclosure. These also work just as well in any enclosure thickness so no problems even with thick or multilayer walls.

Then feed the wire through the hole until it pokes out far enough for you to get a hold of it. 2 to 3 inches is fine. And slide your heat shrink on before you forget it.

Now a very important part to remember is to take the male stud that comes with the tube connectors and insert it into the end of the tube connector. This gives the internal wire a stopping point when you insert it. And the whole idea behind the tube connector is to get tip to tip contact from the internal wire to the speaker wire.

Now that you have a stopping point you can insert the internal wire from the speaker into the tube connector until it touches the stud inside of it. Then you mark its depth and strip it that far back.


(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=255909)

Insert it and note that the insulation comes to the end of the tube connector. Now you are ready to crimp it.


(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=255910)

When you go to crimp it make sure that the part of the crimping tool that pokes up goes into the back side of the tube connector because there is a slit in the tube on the front side.


(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=255911)


Then crimp it right in the middle of the end of it.


(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=255912)

Now note how it looks on the back side.


(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=255913)

And the front side.


(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=255914)

Then you solder it to seal the opening from any air passage.


(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=255915)

Then slide the heat shrink down over it and seal it.


(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=255916)

Now you can add just a slight amount of sealer around the outside of the tube connector. I use clear Silicone myself. Then press it into the pre-drilled hole. If you have to lightly tap it in with a small hammer that's okay too. It will smoothly drive in with very light taps.

Now wasn't that fast and easy?  :thumb:

And a bonus is that it sounds better than a binding post.  :banana piano:
Title: Re: Electra tube connector installation instructions.
Post by: Rikard Ekval on 5 Nov 2023, 07:18 pm
Loose Tube Connectors?
I move my speakers and stands out from wall and out in the room every time that wifey is away and I can do some great listening. Standing by the wall for casual listening.


Some of the connectors want to slide out a bit and even after I poke a little on the connector, bending the outer part of the hole, they do want to slide anyway.
So I made a piece of HDF as bracket with a stainless screw.
Now they stay put.


 (https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=256577)


 (https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=256578)


 (https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=256579) 
 



Title: Re: Electra tube connector installation instructions.
Post by: KTS on 6 Nov 2023, 02:23 am
Nice tweak!
Title: Re: Electra tube connector installation instructions.
Post by: Speaker Challenged on 6 Nov 2023, 12:21 pm
Loose Tube Connectors?
I move my speakers and stands out from wall and out in the room every time that wifey is away and I can do some great listening. Standing by the wall for casual listening.


Some of the connectors want to slide out a bit and even after I poke a little on the connector, bending the outer part of the hole, they do want to slide anyway.
So I made a piece of HDF as bracket with a stainless screw.
Now they stay put.


 (https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=256577)


 (https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=256578)


 (https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=256579)

Great tweak to keep them in, great idea. I'll have to give that a go on mine.