Monster Cable Test Results

Micmax · 06-19-2004, 04:04 PM

In a very unscientific study, I compared the picture quality of various DVD's through my Pioneer DVD player using two DIFFERENT cables:

1. Monster Video 3 Component Cables 2m (retails for $89.99 everywhere).
2. Phillips Component Cables 2m ($9.44 @ Walmart)

I wanted so bad for my Monster Cables to thwart the cheaper ones in quality, but they didn't. In all honesty, I saw no difference.

Granted, my TV isn't of the newest technology (plasma, DLP, etc.). My TV's description...

RCA TV

I would hope that with higher quality TV's that the Monster Cable would fair better. But as far as HDTV's like mine...it was a BIG waste of money. Its not like I spent $50 instead of $30 on component cables. I spent $90 instead of $9! Monster cables may be the biggest farse going right now.

sonicularulus · 06-19-2004, 04:50 PM

now while your at it, can you test the difference between gold plated cables and regular cables? hehe, just kidding, unless you want to....thank you for spending your time and money on this study.

Micmax · 06-19-2004, 05:33 PM

Now that I remember...I got those Monster Cables for $60 as an open item at Best Buy, so I don't feel THAT bad.

The cables I bought at Wal-Mart were black, no visible silver/gold plating. Wal-Mart also carries a Phillips silver-plated cable for near $20. But if the black cables are of no difference, why should I even upgrade to the silver?

I'm so disappointed in myself for buying into the Monster Cable fad. My friends always made fun of my loyalty to Monster Cable, now I have to answer to them.

SLedford · 06-19-2004, 09:58 PM

Will the same thing be true for audio cables? I have seen multi-strand cables that cost $8 per LF and audo cable that is $8 for a 50' roll. The store is pushing the higher end stuff, of course.

sonicularulus · 06-19-2004, 11:08 PM

well for the audio stuff, i dont know. But i think circuit city will have some answers. I think they have proven that monster is a same old cable. I went out to get a dv cable (aka i.link, firewire 4-pin, and ieee1394). i saw two, a 7 foot monster cable and a 6 foot belkin cable. amazingly, they were the same price. obviously, due to all the "superior-ness" of monster, i took it.....however the price was the same so i didnt care.

Micmax · 06-20-2004, 01:32 AM

About audio cables...I originally purchased Monster Optical Cables for my HD receiver and my XBox. Then when I bought my DVD player I bought a cheapo GE optical cable from Wal-Mart (to supplement my 6 channel connection, of course)

. I can't tell the difference with the optical cables either.

Monster optical cables are even less important since 6 channel audio came about. You're maximizing a lesser technology.

I guess the same thing can be said for component with DVI, etc now.

As far as speaker wire...those wires look so unsophisticated, they're really just carrying an electric current if I'm not mistaken. I've never thought twice about buying the cheapest wire possible...but I'm open to comments on that because I really don't know.

SLedford · 06-20-2004, 09:31 AM

Let me add this to the mix - I upgraded my speakers two years ago. I did notice some difference (less hiss), but not as much as I expected, considering the price difference. Keep in mind that I am now 53, so the old ears are not what they used to be.

Will be building a new house soon and want to "do it right", which is why I am looking at wiring and speakers. The audio store I talked with (the guys with $8 LF multi-strand wires) are pushing Bowens and Wilkens speakers.

Same question - how much difference do the speakers make? I am talking about the difference between a $30 - 60 per speaker Sony at Best Buy compared to a $250+ per speaker Bowens & Wilkens, not compared to the "free" low end speakers that come with some receivers.

Of course if I do the wiring properly, I can always upgrade the speakers later on.

Micmax · 06-21-2004, 12:13 AM

I'd put a lot more value on more expensive speakers/receivers like Bose, Denon, etc. I've got a Panasonic receiver matched with a Pioneer sound system that all retails for around $450-$500, which isn't the cheapest home theatre but not the most expensive by far.

But I've been in those sound rooms at Best Buy or Ultimate Electronics where they've got very expensive speakers, and I would testify a substantial difference.

The better-quality sound systems sound better while utlizing less power. I was at first puzzled by expensive systems that had half the wattage output than mine (6x100), but I wasn't puzzled after I listened to them.

Some companies just know how to produce better speakers. So to answer your questions...the higher-priced sound equipment IS noticable better quality.

sparx · 06-22-2004, 11:43 AM

I am in the home theater business and have set up quit a few systems and can honestly say that the speakers make a difference. Personally I started out with a JBL speaker system for my home theater and thought it sounded nice. I then upgraded to an Infinity speaker setup and although it cost me more money it sounded much better. I have since upgraded again to a full B&W ( Bowers & Wilkens ) speaker system and the diff. again improved. So to answer your question. Yes there is a difference in sound quality over the cheaper speakers. (You get what you pay for.) I have also improved the cables and the sound is more crisp. I went with a bi-wire setup and it is very expensive but I did notice the improvement in the sound quality. I must also say that you cant just put a $2000 speaker setup on a $200 dollar receiver and expect great things to happen. I would suggest upgrading the receiver first then the speakers. Your receiver is the heart of the system and with out a quality receiver you'll be wasting time upgrading speakers. An Integra 6ch THX receiver is what's supplying my B&W speakers. I am a dealer and have designed, sold, and installed many systems and if you can afford B&W's I definitely recommend them.

SLedford · 06-22-2004, 12:11 PM

I heard the B&W speakers in a display room and they sounded great. They have have a web page with quite a range of prices.

My great room will be 18' x 18' with 9' ceilings and have my 57" TV as the focal point. Would you put the speakers in the ceiling or on the walls? The display room was about the same size & height, and they had the speakers in the ceiling.

sparx · 06-25-2004, 08:51 AM

I would put them on stands. What models are you considering?

SLedford · 06-25-2004, 09:24 AM

I am open on the brands, but have been looking at B&W and Klipsch (which is what a couple of the local audio/video stores are pushing). Would like to keep the speaker cost at or below $2,000.

Was already thinking about stand-alone speakers for two reasons:
(1) I didn't want to put a lot of money in on high quality speakers and then leave them if/when the house is sold.
(2) Wiring for stand-alone speakers would allow me to upgrade later on. In wall/ceiling speakers would probably have to be done before the sheetrock is installed.

What would you suggest for speakers? The room will be 18' x 18' with 9' ceilings. Estimated useage = 90% TV / DVD viewing & 10% music.

shomen · 06-28-2004, 04:27 PM

I'd recommend the PSB Image series (www.psbspeakers.com) I have the 4T's as my front and surround speakers, the 8C as the center channel and the Subsonic 6 subwoofer. It's powered by a Marantz SR7000 receiver. The sound reproduction is amazing! I've had this setup for a few years now and still when watching DVD's I have to look out the window to see if it started to rain or check my phone to make sure someone didn't just call me when these types of events happen in the movie. I also hate going to watch movies at friends houses because I've come to expect a certain level of sound and 2 channel stereo just doesn't cut it! I'd 2nd the opinion of a previous post to get a great receiver first. What's the point of great speakers if the receiver can't "drive" them properly.

Beastslayer1 · 07-14-2004, 09:48 AM

I am a huge monster cable freak...I have found that they are indeed the best cables that I have seen...and used...it all depends on the equipment that you are running that determines what kind and what quality of cable should get...it also depends on the person as well...for example...someone who works 10 hrs a day and views TV for like 1-2 hrs a day might not need the most expensive stuff...someone like me that stares at HD television for 10 hrs a day...would probably need the best...b/c those poor, sorry souls that work in the electronics industry...are critics them selves...and if they are like anything like I am, I'm extremely picky about me picture...

06-19-2004, 04:04 PM	#1
Micmax Moderator Join Date: May 2004 Location: Fort Worth, TX Age: 27 Posts: 413	Monster Cable Test Results In a very unscientific study, I compared the picture quality of various DVD's through my Pioneer DVD player using two DIFFERENT cables: 1. Monster Video 3 Component Cables 2m (retails for $89.99 everywhere). 2. Phillips Component Cables 2m ($9.44 @ Walmart) I wanted so bad for my Monster Cables to thwart the cheaper ones in quality, but they didn't. In all honesty, I saw no difference. Granted, my TV isn't of the newest technology (plasma, DLP, etc.). My TV's description... RCA TV I would hope that with higher quality TV's that the Monster Cable would fair better. But as far as HDTV's like mine...it was a BIG waste of money. Its not like I spent $50 instead of $30 on component cables. I spent $90 instead of $9! Monster cables may be the biggest farse going right now.

06-19-2004, 09:58 PM	#4
SLedford HD Fan Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Little Rock, Arkansas Posts: 1,023	Same story for audio cables? Will the same thing be true for audio cables? I have seen multi-strand cables that cost $8 per LF and audo cable that is $8 for a 50' roll. The store is pushing the higher end stuff, of course.

06-20-2004, 09:31 AM	#7
SLedford HD Fan Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Little Rock, Arkansas Posts: 1,023	Same question about speakers Let me add this to the mix - I upgraded my speakers two years ago. I did notice some difference (less hiss), but not as much as I expected, considering the price difference. Keep in mind that I am now 53, so the old ears are not what they used to be. Will be building a new house soon and want to "do it right", which is why I am looking at wiring and speakers. The audio store I talked with (the guys with $8 LF multi-strand wires) are pushing Bowens and Wilkens speakers. Same question - how much difference do the speakers make? I am talking about the difference between a $30 - 60 per speaker Sony at Best Buy compared to a $250+ per speaker Bowens & Wilkens, not compared to the "free" low end speakers that come with some receivers. Of course if I do the wiring properly, I can always upgrade the speakers later on.

06-25-2004, 09:24 AM	#12
SLedford HD Fan Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Little Rock, Arkansas Posts: 1,023	Speaker brands I am open on the brands, but have been looking at B&W and Klipsch (which is what a couple of the local audio/video stores are pushing). Would like to keep the speaker cost at or below $2,000. Was already thinking about stand-alone speakers for two reasons: (1) I didn't want to put a lot of money in on high quality speakers and then leave them if/when the house is sold. (2) Wiring for stand-alone speakers would allow me to upgrade later on. In wall/ceiling speakers would probably have to be done before the sheetrock is installed. What would you suggest for speakers? The room will be 18' x 18' with 9' ceilings. Estimated useage = 90% TV / DVD viewing & 10% music.

07-14-2004, 09:48 AM	#14
Beastslayer1 High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 270	Monster Cables... I am a huge monster cable freak...I have found that they are indeed the best cables that I have seen...and used...it all depends on the equipment that you are running that determines what kind and what quality of cable should get...it also depends on the person as well...for example...someone who works 10 hrs a day and views TV for like 1-2 hrs a day might not need the most expensive stuff...someone like me that stares at HD television for 10 hrs a day...would probably need the best...b/c those poor, sorry souls that work in the electronics industry...are critics them selves...and if they are like anything like I am, I'm extremely picky about me picture...

06-19-2004, 04:50 PM	#2
sonicularulus High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: May 2004 Location: North Hills, Los Angeles, Ca Age: 20 Posts: 609	now while your at it, can you test the difference between gold plated cables and regular cables? hehe, just kidding, unless you want to....thank you for spending your time and money on this study.

06-19-2004, 05:33 PM	#3
Micmax Moderator Join Date: May 2004 Location: Fort Worth, TX Age: 27 Posts: 413	Now that I remember...I got those Monster Cables for $60 as an open item at Best Buy, so I don't feel THAT bad. The cables I bought at Wal-Mart were black, no visible silver/gold plating. Wal-Mart also carries a Phillips silver-plated cable for near $20. But if the black cables are of no difference, why should I even upgrade to the silver? I'm so disappointed in myself for buying into the Monster Cable fad. My friends always made fun of my loyalty to Monster Cable, now I have to answer to them.

06-19-2004, 11:08 PM	#5
sonicularulus High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: May 2004 Location: North Hills, Los Angeles, Ca Age: 20 Posts: 609	well for the audio stuff, i dont know. But i think circuit city will have some answers. I think they have proven that monster is a same old cable. I went out to get a dv cable (aka i.link, firewire 4-pin, and ieee1394). i saw two, a 7 foot monster cable and a 6 foot belkin cable. amazingly, they were the same price. obviously, due to all the "superior-ness" of monster, i took it.....however the price was the same so i didnt care.

06-20-2004, 01:32 AM	#6
Micmax Moderator Join Date: May 2004 Location: Fort Worth, TX Age: 27 Posts: 413	About audio cables...I originally purchased Monster Optical Cables for my HD receiver and my XBox. Then when I bought my DVD player I bought a cheapo GE optical cable from Wal-Mart (to supplement my 6 channel connection, of course) . I can't tell the difference with the optical cables either. Monster optical cables are even less important since 6 channel audio came about. You're maximizing a lesser technology. I guess the same thing can be said for component with DVI, etc now. As far as speaker wire...those wires look so unsophisticated, they're really just carrying an electric current if I'm not mistaken. I've never thought twice about buying the cheapest wire possible...but I'm open to comments on that because I really don't know.

06-21-2004, 12:13 AM	#8
Micmax Moderator Join Date: May 2004 Location: Fort Worth, TX Age: 27 Posts: 413	I'd put a lot more value on more expensive speakers/receivers like Bose, Denon, etc. I've got a Panasonic receiver matched with a Pioneer sound system that all retails for around $450-$500, which isn't the cheapest home theatre but not the most expensive by far. But I've been in those sound rooms at Best Buy or Ultimate Electronics where they've got very expensive speakers, and I would testify a substantial difference. The better-quality sound systems sound better while utlizing less power. I was at first puzzled by expensive systems that had half the wattage output than mine (6x100), but I wasn't puzzled after I listened to them. Some companies just know how to produce better speakers. So to answer your questions...the higher-priced sound equipment IS noticable better quality.

06-22-2004, 11:43 AM	#9
sparx What is HD? Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 2	I am in the home theater business and have set up quit a few systems and can honestly say that the speakers make a difference. Personally I started out with a JBL speaker system for my home theater and thought it sounded nice. I then upgraded to an Infinity speaker setup and although it cost me more money it sounded much better. I have since upgraded again to a full B&W ( Bowers & Wilkens ) speaker system and the diff. again improved. So to answer your question. Yes there is a difference in sound quality over the cheaper speakers. (You get what you pay for.) I have also improved the cables and the sound is more crisp. I went with a bi-wire setup and it is very expensive but I did notice the improvement in the sound quality. I must also say that you cant just put a $2000 speaker setup on a $200 dollar receiver and expect great things to happen. I would suggest upgrading the receiver first then the speakers. Your receiver is the heart of the system and with out a quality receiver you'll be wasting time upgrading speakers. An Integra 6ch THX receiver is what's supplying my B&W speakers. I am a dealer and have designed, sold, and installed many systems and if you can afford B&W's I definitely recommend them.

06-22-2004, 12:11 PM	#10
SLedford HD Fan Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Little Rock, Arkansas Posts: 1,023	I heard the B&W speakers in a display room and they sounded great. They have have a web page with quite a range of prices. My great room will be 18' x 18' with 9' ceilings and have my 57" TV as the focal point. Would you put the speakers in the ceiling or on the walls? The display room was about the same size & height, and they had the speakers in the ceiling.

06-25-2004, 08:51 AM	#11
sparx What is HD? Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 2	I would put them on stands. What models are you considering?

06-28-2004, 04:27 PM	#13
shomen What is HD? Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 1	I'd recommend the PSB Image series (www.psbspeakers.com) I have the 4T's as my front and surround speakers, the 8C as the center channel and the Subsonic 6 subwoofer. It's powered by a Marantz SR7000 receiver. The sound reproduction is amazing! I've had this setup for a few years now and still when watching DVD's I have to look out the window to see if it started to rain or check my phone to make sure someone didn't just call me when these types of events happen in the movie. I also hate going to watch movies at friends houses because I've come to expect a certain level of sound and 2 channel stereo just doesn't cut it! I'd 2nd the opinion of a previous post to get a great receiver first. What's the point of great speakers if the receiver can't "drive" them properly.