Ed Werner

Monster Cable component cables... Video 1, 2, or 3?

What is the difference between the Monster Video 1, Monster Video 2 and Monster Video 3 component cables?

They all have the same description:
Improved Performance Component Video Cable with High-Density Double Shielding for Maximum Video Performance from Today's DVD Players, Satellite Receivers, and TVs with Component Video Connections.
>> Low-loss component video cable for improved video reproduction
>>> Multi-stranded, all-copper construction provides a clear, sharp picture
>>>> 6-cut 24k gold RCA Connectors for maximum conductivity.
Other Features Improved Performance. High-Density Double Shielding. Low-loss component video cable. Multi-stranded, all-copper construction. 6-cut 24k gold RCA Connectors.


So why would I pay 90.00 when it seems I could have the same thing for 50.00?

Hmmmmmmm......

Ed

Bob McElfresh

Good Question.

Most of the actual cable manufacturers (Belden, Canare) publish frequency response charts and other data about their coax. Monster, AR, Radio Shack do not.

I suspect that there is only a bit of difference in the coax between Monster 1/2/3, but they use a better RCA plug on the higher end/more expensive cables. (but charge LOTS more)

The smart money is to buy component video cables from a custom site. They use Canare or Belden coax and the well-respected Canare RCA plugs. (The coax is normally sold to broadcast & production studio industries) They start at about $60 for a 3 ft set. www.bettercables.com is another good place to shop.

Ed Werner

Thank you very much Bob, I will look into that.

Take care,

Ed

Any more opinions or references, specifically on the Monster Cable brand and their differences in 1,2 and 3?

Bob McElfresh

I'm still trying to get Acoustic Research to give me data about their line of cables.

What are you hooking up? How big is the display, what is the source, is the display standard or HD?

I doubt you can see any difference between Monster 1-3 on a 19" tube, or even with a larger display and your standard-def CATV box.

But if you have a HD source (Sat or Cable box) and a HDTV - this needs coax/connectors designed for the higher bandwidth signals:

Standard Component Video: 4 Mhz max
Progressive Scan Video: 13 Mhz max
1080 HD Video: 35 Mhz max

So I'd match the "level" of monster cable 1,2,3 to the quality of the source. A VCR or CATV box - use the less expensive Monster 1. A PS DVD player or HD STB - use the more expensive cables.

(If you dont have a HDTV, the AR Pro2 brand of cables start at about $35 for a component cable set and are well respected. Even for HDTV use.)

If you have Progressive/HD sources, consider that the "High End" Monster cables are the CV300 - $220 for a 3 meter set. The custom cable sites all tend to use the professional grade coax and Canare connectors designed for HD video and these cables start at about $60.

The custom-cable sites are highly recommended. These are not the "botique"/expensive cables, just professional grade coax and connectors.