My carpeting in the theater room is being installed next week, so I will finally be able to permanently install my new HT equipment.

I ran 14/4 speaker wire in the walls. I plan to twist the two pairs of conductors together to essentially turn the 14/4 wire into the equivalent of 11/2. The binding posts on both the 7500 and the my Axiom speakers appear to be substantial enough to allow for bare wires, but I'm not sure which is better: bare wire, banana plugs, or spade lugs? Any suggestions? Thanks.

Outlaw 990/7500
Axiom M80v2 (Mains)
Axiom VP 150v2 (Center)
Axiom QS8v2 (surrounds)
Outlaw LFM-1 EX
Dish Network ViP 722 HD DVR
Samsung BD-P1400
Panasonic PT-AX200U projector
Belkin PF60 power console
Blue Jean's Cables

I've seen cases made for all three. Bare wire offers the simplest mechanical connection (fewest joints), which scores points from the KISS school of thought. I use this approach at the connections to all four of my surround speakers because it fits better in the limited space between speaker and wall. Spades offer a similarly secure connection, although you are adding an extra connection (between wire and spade). That's what I use at both ends of my connections to the front three speakers. Banana is the most convenient, but depending on the type of banana plug used there are some potential concerns with the connection getting loose over time. If you change out components a lot (as with professional reviewers), banana becomes very desirable. The only place I have banana in my system right now is between amp and wall plate for my surrounds.

Thanks gonk. I think I'll adopt the KISS school of thought.

The problem with bare ends is as you tighten down on the strands of the cables, you are putting torque on them and breaking them. I prefer spades. enjoy Jim

My solution has been to use locking banana plugs at my 1070, largely because there isn't enough room around the binding posts for spades. I also use them on the cables from the 1070 to the wall plate for the surrounds. I dried regular bananas, but they quickly worked loose. The locking variety cost more, but so far have been reliable.