Hooking up the speakers...ouch!

OK, update on my new system. I hooked up my 5 M&K S-1B satellites, 2 V-1B Subs to my new Parasound HCA-855 85x5 Channel Amp, using my old Monster Powerline2 12 gauge speaker wire. I didn't use spades or bananas, just naked wire and have been having a hell of a time getting them to stay on the Amp posts. This wire is over 1/2" in diameter and five of these suckers in close quarters is a nightmare. I think, no matter how tightly I screw them down, the torque they create by mere mass just yanks them out. I've got it now, but the Amp is sticking 5 inches over the shelf to give enough room in back for all that copper & rubber. Any ideas? I was thinking of stripping a foot or so of the outter sheeth and just bring the two 12 gauge leads into the cabinet. What do you guys think?

 

Oh, and BTW, the sound is unbelievable. I know this is just a modest system, and all my speakers aren't placed properly and settings, etc. but the sound is truly exciting. I brought my 18 year old brother over to listen and we played Star Wars episode 2 and that silver prop plane flying through space, came right over our heads and my whole house shook as if it were really there....wow.

 

I would try and get spades attached. Sometimes your local dealer can do this or send it back to Monster who should also be willing to do this. Also, I found the Audioquest speaker post wrench to be helpful in getting those binding posts nice and tight.

Good luck.

 

Or a nut driver or a 6 sided socket works the same.

Glad to see you got it all hooked up.
Your post makes me want to go listen watch a movie in my family room.

The train in Road to Perdition shook the house.

You could always get some 14g for the rear channels.

Crimp on spades may help also. I have some unterminated 12g and it is BIG.