Crimp vs Solder

Arctos · « **on:** 6 Apr 2003, 10:10 pm »

Greetings,
I am ready to start the construction of the crossovers for my first pair of DIY 2-way speakers. Does anyone have an opinion on whether it is better to use crimp barrels or solder to connect the components together? I have read in different articles that both methods are good if performed correctly and have read that some folks even use crimping and soldering for the same joint.

Question 2: If I choose to crimp, does anyone know the proper way to crimp a crimp barrel? The reason I ask is that the barrels have a seam, and the part of my crimping tool used for non-insulated barrels has a nub on one side and a half circle on the other. Do I align the nub with the seam, opposite the seam, or somewhere in-between?

Thanks in advance for the assistance,

RDS

markC · « **Reply #1 on:** 6 Apr 2003, 11:51 pm »

I would personally solder joints on a crossover. I have had good, consistant results by placing the nub of the crimping tool at 90* to the seam. Have fun!

gonefishin · « **Reply #2 on:** 7 Apr 2003, 02:28 am »

The only crimp I can imagine being better than a soldered connection would be when a crimp is compared to a poor solder joint.

my vote...solder!

markC · « **Reply #3 on:** 7 Apr 2003, 02:40 am »

Sorry, I was wrong on the 90* thing. I meant to say that I place the nub of the tool on the seam.

Carlman · « **Reply #4 on:** 7 Apr 2003, 01:59 pm »

Nub goes on the seam for all crimps I've ever seen. Squeeze till it makes a little "m" shape.

I've always soldered everything inside a speaker and not used any crimps. When I've replaced wire, I've removed crimps and replaced them with solder.

Have fun!

-Carl

peranders · « **Reply #5 on:** 9 Apr 2003, 01:32 pm »

I would say it is equally good soldering and crimping as long as it's correctly done. Crimping is more industrial and it's more suitable for automatic mounting.

Arctos · « **Reply #6 on:** 9 Apr 2003, 06:15 pm »

Thank you all,
Looks like most feel that soldering is the way to go. The reason why I questioned this was that I read in the North Creek Wiring Guide (the North Creek folks are great to deal with and offer top quality products!!) that the best connection was a "cold weld", in which the metals from the components actually blend together. The cold weld method recommended is a non-insulated crimp. I may try some experiments and see which one gives me the best results.

Thanks again,

RDS

randytsuch · « **Reply #7 on:** 9 Apr 2003, 06:24 pm »

Arctos,
I have seen posts at AA where people say crimping is better, if done correctly. Reason why is the "cold weld" you talked about. If you crimp, you should get a gas tight connection, where the wires and connector actually bond together.
You would also get a gas tight connection with solder, but then you get solder between the wire and connector, and the solder has an effect on the sound.
I think the problem with crimping is doing it right. It really takes special tools, that can apply enough force to get a gas tight connection. I think if you try to crimp with pliers, you might be better off soldering.

Randy

hoxuanduc · « **Reply #8 on:** 9 Apr 2003, 07:57 pm »

Regarding building speakers...

For connection between drivers and speaker wire, I use the female fast-on terminal crimped to the wire. Easy to do, available @ HD or PartsExpress. You can remove drivers very easily.

For XO, I use brass screw and washers, easy to remove & play around, yet very tight connection.

I doubt the sound quality suffer. If you want to improve quality, play with better caps, registors & cables. I think they matter much more than the connections! I haven't seen any one comparing sound difference between solder connection vs crimp connection.

Sedona Sky Sound · « **Reply #9 on:** 11 Apr 2003, 04:40 am »

Personally, I do both with all my interconnects and speaker cables. Am I able to hear a difference between crimped, soldered, or both? No. Neither could my wife who has ears like a bat.

I mainly do it for structural integrity. By putting a good crimp on things I figure that at least a good portion of the copper/silver is against the connector (the crimping theory sounds plausible so figured no need to fight it). I then use my solder station to make sure I have a good solder weld. I figure that if nothing else the solder will help strengthen the joint and also keep the copper/silver from tarnishing where it meets the connector. A side benefit of doing the crimp first is that it makes it easier to solder since everything is held nicely in place. JMHO

Julian
www.sedonaskysound.com

Arctos · « **Reply #10 on:** 11 Apr 2003, 05:15 am »

Excellent info!!!
I have an idea and I would like your opinion:

I have purchased a pretty nice dedicated crimping tool (specifically for non-insulated barrels). If I twist the wires together very tightly and crimp the *** out of it

, then cover the crimp barrel in silicone caulking, I would think this would give me a good connection and also make it air tight for corrosion purposes.

What do you think?

Thanks,

RDS