I buy all-metal ends that look good to me. I then use 18 or 20 ga. alarm wire in colors that complement my system, twist them up with a drill (other end in a vice) until a fairy tight twist is achieved (I like a 90 degree angle between the wires once twisted) and then solder them onto the ends. I have had 0 noise doing it this way. For a finishing touch, I've slid clear tubing over them too. Soldering 20 ga wire has been a little easier than 18 ga.
A not-so-great pic of a system I did a few years ago. I used Soundquest metal ends. This was actually the 2nd system for those ends. I unsoldered them from black and yellow wire in an install that used that color scheme.
I wouldn't recommend using too-hot of a soldering gun or iron. If you hold the heat too long on the center pin of the RCA end, it can melt the plastic insulator, deforming it. I wrecked a couple that way.
A not-so-great pic of a system I did a few years ago. I used Soundquest metal ends. This was actually the 2nd system for those ends. I unsoldered them from black and yellow wire in an install that used that color scheme.

I wouldn't recommend using too-hot of a soldering gun or iron. If you hold the heat too long on the center pin of the RCA end, it can melt the plastic insulator, deforming it. I wrecked a couple that way.