Cardas Binding Post Question

[Lavcat]

I am currently using Cardas CCRR L binding posts to connect from amp to speaker cables. Rather than soldering I would like to make the amp wire connection by getting a second nut per post and fastening the wires between the nuts.

I think this would make a good physical connection, but would it make a satisfactory electrical connection, given that what the nut fastens down on is nylon? In other words is there a solid electrical connection between the nut and post?

Also, does anyone know of a source for the rhodium plated Cardas nuts? I found a source selling gold plated Cardas nuts but not rhodium. Not that the gold should not work as well as rhodium.

Thanks for any help.

[wwenze]

I did try that before, but resorted to the more common ring connector in the end. Bare wires to nuts is just mechanically too insecure especially with thick wires.

[Lavcat]

Originally Posted by wwenze

I did try that before, but resorted to the more common ring connector in the end. Bare wires to nuts is just mechanically too insecure especially with thick wires.

I'm using 16 gauge solid core. Those Cardas nuts are pretty big. May I ask where you found the extra nuts? And had you considered soldering to the post, which I assume is the intended connection method?

I've since noticed Cardas lists a tech support address, so I plan to write and ask what they think of making the connection with nuts. Maybe they can even supply the nuts.

What I'm doing now is making the amp connection to the front of the binding post rather than the back. It works but it looks a little messy.

[embrown057]

I just installed a few set of the CARDAS CCBP-S unplated copper on a restore job last week. I have always soldered directly to the posts. I use the Cardas wire and it's not very easy to get it right unless you use a large Weller soldering gun. takes a lot of heat to do it right. I guess one could solder the wires to a ring and then double nut it. If that's what you want to do I would look into using Locktight on the nuts to make sure they do not move at some point, either blue or red version.

[Lavcat]

Cardas tech support got back to me a few days ago: "Fastening the wire between two nuts on the back of a binding post is not a good way to make a connection. It will work but the electrical connection of a solder joint is much better."

I did not want to use a ring because that means one more crimped or soldered connection.

So until I think of something better I am still making the connection on the front of the binding post rather than on the back.