Best Banana Plugs for Sony STR-DH790
Wiring up a 7.2 channel system like the Sony STR-DH790 can quickly turn into a cable management nightmare. Dealing with bare wire on those tightly-spaced binding posts is frustrating and risks short circuits that could trigger the receiver’s protection mode. After testing dozens of connectors, I’ve found that high-quality banana plugs are the single best upgrade for your home theater. The Sewell Silverback remains my top pick for its rock-solid dual-screw security and effortless installation.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
Best Banana Plugs for Sony STR-DH790: Detailed Reviews
Sewell Silverback Banana Plugs View on Amazon
When I’m setting up a high-performance receiver like the Sony STR-DH790, I want a connection that isn’t going anywhere. The Sewell Silverback plugs are my absolute favorite because they utilize two offset screws to “crimp” the wire inside the plug. This creates a massive amount of surface contact and a physical grip that prevents the wire from ever slipping out, even if you’re moving your receiver around in a tight cabinet. The 24K gold plating ensures no oxidation over time, keeping your signal path pristine. They are slightly wider than generic plugs, which actually helps them sit more snugly in the Sony’s binding posts. While they take a minute longer to install than “closed screw” types, the peace of mind is worth it. They easily accommodate 12AWG wire, which is ideal for the STR-DH790’s power output.
Check Price on Amazon US, UK, CA, DE →
✓ Free Shipping · ✓ Easy Returns · ✓ Secure Checkout
Mediabridge Banana Plugs View on Amazon
If you don’t want to mess with tiny screwdrivers, the Mediabridge plugs are the way to go. These use a “no-tool” design where you simply feed the wire through the base, fan it out over the teeth, and screw the top on. It’s incredibly fast. I’ve found these to be the most reliable “mid-range” option for the Sony STR-DH790. They are color-coded with clear red and black rings, which is a lifesaver when you’re reaching behind a dark AV rack trying to distinguish between seven different channels. The build quality is surprisingly heavy-duty for the price, and the gold plating is thick enough to withstand multiple plug-and-unplug cycles. The only minor downside is that if you don’t fan the wire out perfectly, the grip can be slightly less secure than a dedicated set-screw plug, but for 99% of users, these are perfect.
Check Price on Amazon US, UK, CA, DE →
✓ Free Shipping · ✓ Easy Returns · ✓ Secure Checkout
Amazon Basics Banana Plugs View on Amazon
Look, not every connection needs to be “audiophile grade.” If you just spent your whole budget on the STR-DH790 and a set of speakers, the Amazon Basics plugs do the job without any fuss. They use a similar design to the Mediabridge plugs but at a lower price point. They are functional, they fit the Sony’s ports well, and they look decent. I’ve used these in several bedroom setups, and I haven’t noticed any signal degradation compared to more expensive options. The metal is a bit thinner, and the gold plating isn’t as luxurious as the Nakamichi or Sewell options, but they are a massive step up from bare wire. Just be careful not to over-tighten them, as the threads can be a bit delicate. For a standard 16AWG wire setup, these are a no-brainer for the price-conscious buyer.
Check Price on Amazon US, UK, CA, DE →
✓ Free Shipping · ✓ Easy Returns · ✓ Secure Checkout
Nakamichi 24K Gold Banana Plugs View on Amazon
Nakamichi is a legendary name in audio, and these plugs live up to that reputation. Unlike some budget options that use zinc alloys, these are machined from high-quality copper and then heavily gold-plated. You can feel the difference in weight immediately. On the Sony STR-DH790, these provide an exceptionally tight “click” when inserted into the binding posts. They use a side-entry set screw system which is great if you have thick, high-purity speaker cables that don’t like to bend. I find these particularly useful for the front L/R channels where you want the absolute best signal integrity. They look gorgeous, too—not that you’ll see them behind your receiver often, but there’s a certain satisfaction in knowing your system is finished with pro-grade components. They are overkill for a basic surround speaker, but for your main towers, they are the gold standard.
Check Price on Amazon US, UK, CA, DE →
✓ Free Shipping · ✓ Easy Returns · ✓ Secure Checkout
FosPower Banana Plugs View on Amazon
The FosPower plugs feature a unique 6-leaf design on the tip that acts like a spring, expanding slightly once inserted. This ensures that the plug doesn’t just sit in the port but actually exerts pressure against the walls for a firm grip. If you have your Sony STR-DH790 sitting on a sub-woofer-adjacent shelf where vibrations might be an issue, these are a fantastic choice. The outer shell is made of a high-quality aluminum that is easy to grip, making the “push-in” process very smooth. They handle 12AWG to 18AWG wire perfectly. I’ve used these in several commercial installs where the equipment gets moved frequently, and they’ve never let me down. The color-coding is vivid and easy to see in low light, which is a practical touch I always appreciate when I’m wrestling with cables behind a TV stand.
Check Price on Amazon US, UK, CA, DE →
✓ Free Shipping · ✓ Easy Returns · ✓ Secure Checkout
Buying Guide: How to Choose Banana Plugs
Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sewell Silverback | Maximum Security | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Mediabridge | Ease of Use | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| Amazon Basics | Budget Setups | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| Nakamichi 24K | High Fidelity | ★★★★★ | Check |
| FosPower | Snug Fit | ★★★★☆ | Check |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need banana plugs for the Sony STR-DH790?
Technically, no. You can use bare wire. However, the Sony STR-DH790’s back panel is incredibly crowded. Trying to thread bare wire through those tiny holes without any strands touching the adjacent terminal is a recipe for a short circuit. Banana plugs make the connection safer, cleaner, and significantly faster if you ever need to move your receiver for cleaning or cable management.
What gauge wire fits best in these plugs?
Most of the plugs recommended here, like the Sewell or Mediabridge, comfortably fit 12AWG to 18AWG wire. For the Sony STR-DH790, I typically recommend 14AWG or 16AWG wire. 12AWG is great but can be quite stiff and hard to manage in tight spaces, while 18AWG is a bit thin for longer runs. 14AWG provides the perfect balance of performance and flexibility.
Will banana plugs affect the sound quality of my receiver?
Banana plugs won’t “improve” the sound in the sense of adding more bass or detail, but they do ensure a consistent, high-pressure connection that doesn’t degrade over time. Bare copper wire eventually oxidizes (turns green/black), which increases resistance and can muddy your sound. A gold-plated banana plug prevents this oxidation, keeping your system sounding as good as the day you bought it.
Why do some people prefer dual-screw plugs?
Dual-screw plugs like the Sewell Silverback are preferred by pros because they offer two points of contact. If one screw loosens slightly, the second one holds the wire in place. This is critical for heavy-gauge cables that might pull on the plug due to gravity. For a set-it-and-forget-it home theater like a 7.2 setup, this extra security is a very nice insurance policy.
Are these plugs compatible with European STR-DH790 models?
Yes, though you may need to remove the small plastic “bung” or dust cap inside the binding post holes first. European safety regulations sometimes require these caps to be installed at the factory to prevent people from sticking power plugs into the speaker terminals. You can usually pop them out easily with a small flathead screwdriver or a fingernail.
Final Verdict
For the majority of Sony STR-DH790 owners, the Sewell Silverback plugs are the smartest investment for a secure, long-term connection. If you’re looking for a quick and easy setup without tools, the Mediabridge plugs offer the best balance of price and convenience. Budget-conscious users will find the Amazon Basics plugs more than capable, while audiophiles should look toward the Nakamichi for premium materials.