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(Via Twice): McIntosh, Krell, Martin Logan and Wilson Audio are among those brands that operate in the rarefied $400 million business of luxury audio in the U.S., where individual components can cost anything from $5,000 to $50,000 or more. Owners of this type of kit are either millionaires or passionate audiophiles — often both.

More than half of sales come via the custom-install channel, which itself is benefiting from the continued recovery of new-home building in the wake of the economic crash of 2008. Virtually all other sales are transacted through high street specialist dealers, but these are becoming scarce and the biggest issue facing the industry is how to introduce potential buyers to the fabulous sound that luxury products offer. Beyond sound quality, these are aspirational products where ownership is a badge of success, like owning a Lamborghini or Bentley. Brand heritage, where and how the products are made, their look and feel are all especially important.

Continue reading at Twice

Howdy folks: I was just going through a lot of older Amplifiers and other gear, and I’ve realized a lot of my old school Banana type plugs were worn out and needed to be replaced. Before I warmed up the soldering iron and got to work, I wanted to get something a bit more up to date, and with better conductivity. I did a bit of research on the best bang for the buck, using industry recommendations and by asking my colleagues who only repair old equipment that they use. There was one clear answer:

Deadbolt Banana Plugs from Sewell Direct. Usually for around $25 USD I was able to get a 12-pair set of 24k gold plated banana plugs as a great upgrade compared to what I was using. The gold plating is on the connector and crimping teeth to ensure great conductivity. 24k is nice and thick and should last for years through the many plug/unplug/re-plug sessions on the road.

It uses Sewell Direct’s Fast Lock tech as a self crimping and very reliable connection point. The old school plugs also use heavy duty brass casings which Sewell says will give maximum durability, which is very important to a company like ProAudio who contracts a great deal of installations every year.

It has a maximum capacity of 8 AWG for fat conductivity–they however recommend 10 AWG. I assume that the slightly thinner gauge of wire makes for easy crimps, and I found that to be true when experimenting with different gauge copper.

I purchased these items in the 12 pair set. Sewell Direct also sells them as 5 pair and 6 pair sets as well.

As a touring audio engineer and massive gear slut, I highly recommend these plugs for your fresh wiring, or repair wiring needs. Available at at places like Amazon. Roadie Approved.

 

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February 5th, 2014 | Posted by ProAudio in General - (0 Comments)

Be sure to check out the latest issue of the magazine at both locations. We usually have them on hand at events and can bring them to installs upon request.