History of WBT1985 was the year Wolfgang B. Thoerner machined his first male RCA type plug from a

single piece of metal. Though rough, that connector was a predecessor of what was to

become the current WBT-0101. The connector featured a locking mechanism unique

enough to be granted an international patent.

WBT PresentWBT continues to produce connectors specifically for the high-end audio industry. The

product line has expanded from that first RCA type plug to include male and female

RCA type connectors, binding posts, banana plugs and spade lugs with functionally

unique features that truly elevate them to the top. WBT products are very popular with

audio cable and equipment manufacturers worldwide and can be found as standard

equipment on many well respected brands. Additionally, WBT currently holds more

than 20 patents pertaining to audio connectors.

Speaker Cable & Speaker Terminat ionsFeaturing unrivaled engineering and design principles, WBT’s line of speaker connectors

is unlike any other. From the intelligent design of the WBT Sandwich spades to the

quality heft of the WBT Signature pole terminals. WBT speaker products are the last word

for music, function and safety.

RCA Type ConnectorsWBT locking RCA type connectors have been designed and refined for trouble-free

reliability and superior sonic performance. The formula is simple: develop innovative

designs and build them with the finest materials. Oxygen Free Copper Alloy, Teflon™,

and 24K gold are employed to produce RCA type connectors like none other.

Tools and F in ish ing TouchesWBT tools and finishing touches have been painstakingly developed to both functionally

and aesthetically complement WBT connectors and provide options for connector

installation.

1756

Mozart born in Aust r ia

1800

Beethoven loses hear ing

1851

Verdi ’s Rigoletto per formed

1885

Jel ly Rol l Morton born

1879

Heinr ich Hertz s tar ts exper iment ing

with electromagnet ics

1899

John Geyer bui lds 15 foot grand bass

1915

Bi l l ie Hol iday born

1920

Char l ie Parker born

1924

Gershwin per forms R h a p s o d y I n B l u e

1941

Muddy Waters recorded by L ibrary

of Congress

1956

Elv is appears on Ed Sul l ivan Show

1961

Will ie Nelson writes “Crazy” for Patsy Cline

11

1964

Beat les have 1st US h i t

1967

Jimi Hendr ix plays Monterey Pop Fest ival

1969

Woodstock

1969

Led Zepplin I re leased

1980

Robert Cray releases W h o’s Been

Talking?

1976

Rush re leases 2 1 1 2

1983

Bauhaus disbands

1985

WBT is founded and WBT-0100 RCA type

connector i s born. Later cont inued as

WBT-0101 and WBT-0150.

0 460 145 Int .Pat . (59002486.8-08)

US Pat . 5 ,226,841

1986

Fi rs t RCA type socket wi th act ive spr ing

contact , the WBT-0200 is developed.

Later cont inued as WBT-0201. Th is same

year the WBT-0600 banana becomes the

f i rs t audio connector to feature cr imp ter-

minat ion. WBT cr imp s leeves and

si lver solder are also int roduced.

1987

WBT’s f lagship binding post model

WBT-0700 is the f i rs t b inding post wi th

col let chuck locking mechanism. Later

cont inued as WBT-0701. A busy year ,

the WBT-0230 debuts as the f i rs t PCB

mount RCA type socket, later continued

as WBT-0234.

1988

Fi rs t WBT cr imp terminat ion technique for

an RCA type connector , the WBT-0108.

0 460 145 Int .Pat .

US Pat . 5 ,226,841

WBT-0403 and WBT-0499 int roduced

1989

Rol l ing Stones re leases S t e e l W h e e l s

1989

WBT-0730 developed

0 460 145 Int .Pat .

US Pat . 5 ,226,841

1990

Fi rs t WBT cr imp technique terminat ion

for an RCA type chass is socket , the

WBT-0208. That same year the WBT-0735

star ts as the f i rs t safety l ine binding post .

1993

WBT midl ine products WBT-0144 and

WBT-0644 int roduced

0 460 145 Int .Pat .

US Pat . 5 ,226,841

WBT-0744 produced for OEM users

0 460 145 Int .Pat .

US Pat . 5 ,226,841

1995

WBT int roduces CE compat ible banana

plug-the WBT-0645

1996

Safety l ine fur ther developed wi th

WBT-0735 and WBT-0745

0 460 145 Int .Pat .

US Pat . 5 ,226,841

WBT int roduces WBT-0147

0 460 145 Int .Pat .

US Pat . 5 ,226,841

WBT-0481 torque dr iver re leased

1998

Swing band revival

1998

WBT Sandwich spade released

19813370.709 Int .Pat .

49811554.2 Int .Pat .

1999

WBT int roduces CE compat ible power

br idge-the WBT-0725

2001

With the S ignature Gold and P lat inum

vers ions the WBT terminal range sets new

high l ights .

2003

WBT moves to thei r new head quarter in

Essen-Kettwig. New faci l i ty , new logo:

a big s tep !

WBT Manufactur ing Faci l i t iesLocated in Germany, a country well known for precision design andmanufacturing, the skilled workers at the WBT production facility usestate-of-the-art manufacturing methods and machinery to produce highquality connectors.

All connectors begin as raw material produced to the exacting specificationsof WBT. Using high-tech, computer controlled machines, all operations areperformed with extreme precision with machining tolerances as high as2/100mm (.001”) on topline connector models. Frequent inspections areperformed during each phase of production to check for consistency.Final assembly and packaging are completed by hand to ensure theconnectors that you love in your system meet WBT’s exacting specifications.

The WBT AdvantageWhat makes WBT connectors so desirable? Here are a few of the featuresWBT has to offer:

• Patented features exclusive to WBT• High-copper alloys are designed for the perfect balance of strength

and conductivity• Jewel-like, multi-layer gold plating prevents corrosion • High machining resolution for optimum connections• World renowned German engineering and manufacturing

The CE Regulat ion and The WBT Solut ionWhen the European CE commission enacted regulations on audio connectors,the industry struggled to develop new types of connectors which conformedto the new regulations. Rather than develop yet another new connector,WBT refined what currently existed to conform to CE and IEC-65 regulations.The WBT-0645 angled banana is a perfect example of WBT’s innovation andcommitment to connector design. Since its introduction, the WBT-0645 hasbecome a favorite the world over due to its sonic performance, secure fit,aesthetics, CE and IEC-65 conformity. WBT “safety line” connectors featurethe extensive use of Makrolon® insulation to ensure they are completelyshock-proof and meet CE and IEC-65 safety regulations.

WBT Cr imp Terminat ion TechniqueWBT’s crimp termination technique has been designed to replace a sol-dered joint with a low resistance, high-quality termination. This special ter-mination technique results in a directly connected, high-pressure, largesurface area termination that yields audible improvements. The WBT crimptermination technique is simple to perform and will work in most appli-cations. As a bonus, once a cable is prepared with a WBT crimp sleeve,any WBT speaker cable connector can be interchanged! No need to cutthe cable and re-terminate. Simply loosen the two screws and install thenew connector. Simple to perform and no sound degrading adapters tohassle with.

Midl ine vs . Topl ine:Most of the WBT connectors are available in two quality levels. The Midlineconnectors usually represent a less expensive version of a WBT Toplinemodel. Even though the Midline connectors are cheaper they share thesame innovative clamp and locking features one expects from a WBT product. So where is the dif ference? It is in the selection of the base material (copper content), the extent of the surface treatment process a product has to undergo as well as in the height of resolution it is machined.The crucial areas of WBT’s Topline connector models are machined to avery high resolution 2/100 mm (Midline: 5/100 mm). To get its marveloussurface a WBT Topline connector has to undergo an extensive, five-layerplating process without any addition of nickel, crowned by a final double24 K gold plating. For the Midline connector models a special three-layersurface treatment is applied, terminated, here as well, by a final 24 K goldplating. The base material feature an oxygen-free (OFC) copper alloy witha copper content of 55 %. For WBT Topline connectors this content is evenhigher. The exact increase depends on specific WBT machining mastery.

S ignature:As a result of their careful study and extensive research in the field of surfacetreatments WBT has managed to develop a special process which allows todirect apply gold or even platinum. This new technology has been appliedfor the first time on the new flagship pole terminals WBT-0702 as well as onthe double terminals WBT-0730. The result is a considerable plus in terms ofhigher conductivity and an even better prevention from corrosion. The newterminals are available as Signature gold and Signature platinum version.

See price booklet for specifications, instructions & more models. © 2003 WBT

WBT-0765• Two-piece compression pad featuring an extra

fine thread for ultra tight fastening of spades

• Makrolon® insulation for CE and IEC-65

conformity

• Torsion-proof mounting thanks to the new

puzzle plate system

• Soldering termination (for crimping

termination a Torx screw can be supplied)

WBT-0702.11 S ignature Gold• New design from WBT: extra tight fastening of

spades thanks to the milled groove of the

terminal platform and the extra fine thread of

the big pressure nut

• Patented collet chucking device for 4 mm

bananas

• Torsion-proof mounting

• Ultra corrosion resistant WBT-Signature surface

A binding post from WBT is truly a functional work ofart and a symbol of quality. It is no wonder WBTbinding posts are found as OEM parts on some ofthe world’s finest audio equipment.

WBT binding posts are a true five-way designand will accept 6mm (1/4”) or 8mm (5/16”)spades, 4mm bananas, bare wire or wire prepared with a WBT crimp sleeve (up to 6mm [10 AWG]). The two-piece tightening nutfeature ensures secure attachment of spadeswithout a wrench. In addition, the posts offerdual termination (solder or WBT crimp tech-nique termination) to suit your needs. Fordirect PC board mounting you may chooseWBT-0766 featuring an axial cylinder headscrew. WBT binding posts are available inSignature, Topline, Midline and Economy versions to fit every budget.

WBT binding posts can be mounted in panels of0.8mm (1/32”) to 10mm (1/2”) thickness withthe proper mounting insulation. To accommo-date thicker panels, incorporate the WBT-0716

deep panel mounting kit.

Trumpets have existed in various forms datingback to ancient Egyptian and Semitic peoples. It

wasn’t until the 1500’s however that trumpets wentfrom being straight or curved to a better known elon-

gated loop shape. Refinements continued to be made,until the trumpet was introduced with piston valves.

Features of WBT B inding Posts :• Five-way attachment• Solder termination, crimp and direct PC board mounting options• Two-piece tightening nut for secure attachment of spades without tools

H I G H L I G H T E D M O D E L S

BB II NN DD II NN GG PP OO SS TT SS44

Binding Posts

See price booklet for specifications, instructions & more models.

Features of WBT Bananas and Spades:• Bananas feature expanding tip for secure attachment• WBT crimp termination technique• Sandwich spades offer excellent vibration damping• Easy installation on most cables

BB AA NN AA NN AA SS AA NN DD SS PP AA DD EE SS 55

WBT-0680 Ag• A one-of-a-kind product from WBT• Fine silver contact element provides the ultimate

in signal transfer• Sandwich spade design eliminates vibration

and loosening• Makrolon® insulation for CE & IEC-65 compliance• WBT crimp technique termination

WBT-0644• Straight 4mm banana from WBT• Can be terminated using solder or WBT crimp

technique termination• Expanding tip ensures a tight fit in any binding post• Midline construction features

WBT-0645• Angled 4mm banana from WBT• Makrolon® insulation for CE & IEC-65 compliance• Stackable for easy, non-permanent bi-wiring• WBT crimp termination technique• Expanding tip ensures a tight fit in any binding post

H I G H L I G H T E D M O D E L S

All three WBT banana plugs feature expanding tipsfor the ultimate in secure connection. No wimpysprings to break or weak connectors to bend. Inshort, nothing to fail. With WBT bananas on yourcables you just relax and enjoy.

Made from copper alloys for the perfect blendof strength and conductivity, WBT-0600 toplineand WBT-0644 midline are in-line bananasdesigned to be either soldered or accept theWBT crimp technique termination.

From a dif ferent mold, the WBT-0645 bananais considered by many to be the finestbanana the world has seen. Fully insulatedwith Makrolon® plastic to meet CE regulations, theWBT-0645 features an angled design thatallows the cable to fall away from thecomponent with no sharp bends. WBT crimptechnique termination only. Truly one of a kind!

S p a d e C o n n e c t o r sWBT Sandwich Spades are fully insulated andCE approved with an integrated elastomerhoused in a non-magnetic, stainless steelshell. The elastomer damps vibration while thestainless steel adds rigidity to the spade.Available in either pure copper or fine silverand in 6mm (1/4”) and 8mm (5/16”) sizes. WBTcrimp technique termination only.

The saxophone was invented in the 1840’s topossess the flexibility of a stringed instrument, thetonal variety of woodwinds and the power of thebrass section.

B a n a n a P l u g s

© 2003 WBT

See price booklet for specifications, instructions & more models.

Precision is the key when it comes to making a

solid connection and WBT female RCA type

connectors fit the bill with machining resolution as

high as 2/100 mm (.001”) on topline models. All WBT

female RCA type connectors feature spring loaded,

internal contacts to perfectly accommodate any

brand male RCA type connector.

WBT female RCA type connectors are

available in dif ferent configurations to suit

your application. Versions that attach with a

lead wire, in addition to PCB compatible ver-

sions are offered. All female RCA type con-

nectors include a complete set of mounting

insulation to accommodate panels of any

thickness.

Among ancient cultures, drums of all types

are known to have been popular. It is

believed that the kettledrum reached Europe

from the Romans or the Moors. By the 1600’s,

Germany had become the center of kettle

drumming and it was forbidden for anyone with

a title below baron to possess a kettledrum.

Hayden, Beethoven and Berlioz were proponents

of the instrument.

RR CC AA TT YY PP EE SS OO CC KK EE TT SS66

Features of WBT RCA type sockets include:• Spring-loaded internal contacts for a secure connection

• 24K gold plating for corrosion resistance

• Teflon™ insulation

• Midline and topline versions to meet any budget

H I G H L I G H T E D M O D E L S

WBT-0234• Topline construction features

• Spring-loaded internal contact

• Angled design mounts directly to PC board

• Fixed to PC board by extra screw

• Adjustable mounting insulation adapts to any

mounting panel

WBT-0201• Topline construction features

• Spring-loaded internal contact

• Inner socket made from pure copper

• Torsion-proof mounting on chassis

• Adjustable mounting insulation adapts to any

mounting panel

Female RCA type connectors

© 2003 WBT

See price booklet for specifications, instructions & more models.66

Female RCA type connectors

© 2003 WBT

Features of WBT RCA type plugs include:• Slotted center pin for a snug internal connection

• 24K gold plating for corrosion resistance

• Teflon™ insulation

• Midline and topline versions to meet any budget

• Adaptable to nearly every interconnect cable on the market

Often imitated (how flattering), WBT male RCA type

plugs have many features that separate them from

the rest. Most notably is the locking feature found

on all WBT male RCA type plugs.

WBT Locking featureThe patented two-piece barrel allows for

incredible tightening force to be applied with

minimal effort. Once connected, WBT male

RCA type connectors will not loosen due to

heat or vibration. In addition to the tightening

abilities, the two-piece barrel allows for a

wide range of adjustment to accommodate

female RCA type connectors of varying

manufacture and machining resolution. The

locking feature also makes WBT male RCA

type connectors an excellent choice for car

audio use.

Classified as a wood-wind instrument, the flute

is truly one if the oldest known musical instruments.

Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics depict a type of

long flute being played. It wasn’t until the

middle ages when the flute began to be further

refined. Bach, Beethoven and Mendelssohn all

featured the flute prominently. The tone of the flute

ranges from sonorous to sweet to brilliant.

See price booklet for specifications, instructions & more models. RR CC AA TT YY PP EE PP LL UU GG SS 77

MMaallee RRCCAA ttyyppee ccoonnnneeccttoorrss

H I G H L I G H T E D M O D E L S

WBT-0108• WBT’s premium locking RCA type connector

• Functionally and sonically the finest connector

on the market

• WBT crimp technique termination

• Topline construction features

WBT-0147• Compact design in a locking WBT RCA type

connector

• Unique layout of solder points for easy termination

• Midline construction features

• Superior home and automobile performance

© 2003 WBT

See price booklet for specifications, instructions & more models.

To make installation of WBT connectors aseffective, simple and efficient as possible,

WBT has developed tools for each aspect ofyour project. Using WBT tools will optimizeinstallation and allow the full rewards of WBTconnectors to be reaped-quickly and easily.

For example, when installing WBT connectorson speaker cable, use the WBT-0499 to cutand strip the cable to length. Next, slip onthe appropriate crimp sleeve and use theWBT-0403 crimping pliers to complete thesleeve installation. Trim the cable/sleeveassembly to length with the WBT-0499 andinstall the cable into the desired connectorusing the WBT-0481 or WBT-0488. Simple!

The list of tools includes: Crimp set WBT-0411, crimping pliers, Torx T.6 key,dynamometric key and assorted bits (also

available as a kit) and cable cutter.

The double bass is of great importance as thefoundation of the orchestra. Throughout the

centuries, variations of this instrument havecome and gone, one version stood an astounding

15 feet tall and required two men to play.

HH II GG HH LL II GG HH TT EE DD MM OO DD EE LL SS

TT OO OO LL SS88

TToooollss

WBT-0403The WBT-0403 crimping tool is designed to crimpWBT sleeves in a unique manner. By placing thecrimp on only one side of the sleeve, the other sideof the sleeve remains smooth and unmarked - aperfect match when installed into a WBT connector.This special crimp pattern ensures maximum signalconductivity and minimum resistance. Gold platingensures corrosion protection.

WBT-0499Very sharp, the WBT-0499 cable cutters are speciallydesigned to trim crimp sleeves without deformingthe sleeve. They are also very ef fective forstripping speaker cable. Gold plating ensurescorrosion protection.

WBT-0481WBT’s spectacular torque driver is pre-set to 5 dNmof torque to prevent the over tightening of delicatehardware. Includes one T-6 Torx™ bit. Other bitsare available as optional equipment.

Also available now as a kit WBT-0491 with 18 differentbits (Torx, Cross recess, Slot, Hex) made of hardenedchrome vanadium steel. It makes WBT-0481 a well-beloved tool not only for audiophiles.

© 2003 WBT

See price booklet for specifications, instructions & more models. FF II NN II SS HH II NN GG TT OO UU CC HH EE SS 99

HH II GG HH LL II GG HH TT EE DD MM OO DD EE LL SS FF iinnii sshhiinngg TToouucchheess

WBT has developed a wide range of

accessories to complement their line of

connectors. Each product has been

designed to integrate perfectly and

make WBT connectors easy to install

and operate. Most notable in this

section are the WBT crimp sleeves.

WBT realized early the benefits of

crimp termination. In order to aid in

presenting the full sonic potential of

recorded music, WBT has designed

many of their connectors to be

exclusively crimp terminated.

The first mention of the modern

violin is from Italy in the early

1500’s. Since then, the instrument

has changed little-it was per fect

from the beginning. The technical

possibilities of the violin are limitless,

allowing musicians and composers to

focus on the music itself rather than

limitations imposed by the instrument.

Arguably, the violin is the most versatile and

expressive instrument ever created.

WBT-0725Developed for use in the strictly regulated Europeanmarket, the WBT-0725 is a high-quality item used inplace of jumper wires or the cheap, brass bridgesincluded with most loudspeakers. The WBT-0725 arefully insulated for shock protection and available inboth pure copper and fine silver versions. Please referto price booklet for fit measurements to determine ifthe WBT-0725 are compatible with your speakers. Or,if you are purchasing new speakers, request that themanufacturer choose posts and spacing compatiblewith WBT-0725.

WBT SolderHigh-quality 4% silver solder. The melting temperatureof 178-180° C is low enough to prevent damage to theconnector and cable from overheating. WBT solderalso features a halogen-free flux which is gentle onconnector and cable materials. Three weights ofsolder are available.

WBT Cr imp S leevesWBT crimp sleeves are produced in both 24K goldplated copper and palladium finished pure silver.Standard models available in copper from 0.5mm2-16.0mm2 (#20-#6 AWG) and sizes with insulated collaravailable from 1.5mm2-16.0mm2 (#17-#6 AWG). S i lvers leeves wi th insulated col lar avai lable in s izes1.5mm2-6.0mm2 (#17-#10AWG).

© 2003 WBT

Information contained in this catalog is deemed accurate but may be corrected or changed without obligation.Trademarks and their owners: WBT to WBT, RCA to RCA, Torx to Textron, Teflon to DuPont and Makrolon to Bayer. © 2003 WBT

WWBBTT GGmmbbHH Im Teelbruch 103

45219 Essen . GermanyTel.: +49 (0) 2054 87 552 – 0

Fax: +49 (0) 2054 87 552 – 22ee--mmaaiill:: iinnffoo@@wwbbtt..ddee .. wwwwww..wwbbtt..ddee