Connector types on speaker cables
While cheap speaker cables are often supplied on rolls and with raw ends without connectors, there are two types of connectors that can be used for easier connection - Spade or banana plug (BFA). This type of connector is often also pre-assembled on the slightly more expensive speaker cables.
A raw speaker cable without a connector can easily have the same good connection (if it is attached properly) as with a connector, and in some cases even better than cheap connectors. But without connectors, the speaker cables are also much more troublesome to deal with when they have to be attached to the amplifier or speakers' terminals on the back. When using a speaker cable without a connector, the conductors must be wound together and fit into the small holes on the speakers and amplifier, respectively. We therefore always recommend that you use banana plugs when installing speaker cables on your Hi-Fi equipment.
In addition to banana and spade plugs, there are also the modified DIN plug types, which are most often used on older B&O equipment and speakers, or the professional Speak-On plugs, which are most often used for PA stage and installation speakers.