Need advice on cab wiring...

[lynchpin]

I got an Avatar 2x12 w/ 2 vintage 30's and inside it's wired with regular speaker wire. I thought twisted wire was the norm for cabs. I did get some Mogami coax made for speakers but, only enough to make 'amp to cab cable'. So should I consider rewiring the inside of the cab and maybe soldering the wires, as opposed to the slip on lugs, or just play and stop obsessing? Also why do they make cables with gold plugs when they all plug into chrome plated jacks?? Any response would be appreciated, thanks

[lynchpin]

This should be an easy one for you guys. Has any one of you soldered your speakers instead of using slip on lugs and what kind of wire do you use?

[rockon1]

Soldered connrections is safer. If a connecter falls off while playing it can damage the amps OT. Speakers really require no special wire. I use 18 gauge for the internal wire on my cabs. Speaker cables do not need to be shielded either.I like to use at least 18 gauge for shorter cables and 16 for longer runs, Bob

[Jef Bardsley]

The "weakest link" is the 1/4" jack. And gold on chrome isn't a good idea, though I doubt you'll actually develop corrosion, but chrome on chrome would be better, in theory. I hate to say this, but they use gold because people don't know any better. As a plating for a connector that will see frequent use, it's way too soft.

Those 'slip on lugs' are called "fast-ons" by Amp, the leading maker of connectors. Here's a paper praising them:
http://www.aeroelectric.com/articles/faston3.pdf

Solder, due to it's brittle, crystalline nature, isn't recommended for use in situations where the connection might be subjected to intense vibrations. For me, that includes my speaker cabs. YMMV.

To be honest, I would expect the wiring in an Avatar cab to be just fine, and I wouldn't worry about it. You could replace the 1/4" jack on the speaker cab with a Neutrik connector, but you'd still have the 'weakest link' on the back of your amp, so I don't think there'd be a real benefit.

[lynchpin]

The "weakest link" is the 1/4" jack. And gold on chrome isn't a good idea, though I doubt you'll actually develop corrosion, but chrome on chrome would be better, in theory. I hate to say this, but they use gold because people don't know any better. As a plating for a connector that will see frequent use, it's way too soft.

Those 'slip on lugs' are called "fast-ons" by Amp, the leading maker of connectors. Here's a paper praising them:
http://www.aeroelectric.com/articles/faston3.pdf

Solder, due to it's brittle, crystalline nature, isn't recommended for use in situations where the connection might be subjected to intense vibrations. For me, that includes my speaker cabs. YMMV.

To be honest, I would expect the wiring in an Avatar cab to be just fine, and I wouldn't worry about it. You could replace the 1/4" jack on the speaker cab with a Neutrik connector, but you'd still have the 'weakest link' on the back of your amp, so I don't think there'd be a real benefit.

I read that article and it made sense. I think I will be OK, as is! Thanks