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Monster Cable at it again.

post #1 of 36
3/19/08 at 10:02pm
Thread Starter 
Has anyone else here seen this bullshit: Monster Advanced For HDMI So, now we have "highspeed" HDMI. Man, anyone who falls for this has thier brain dial set to "stupid." Anyway, this gave me a laugh. When will Monster stop trying to rip off consumers?
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post #2 of 36
3/20/08 at 5:22am

Re: Monster Cable at it again.

I am brand new to HDMI and would like to not be one of the fools. So can you inform someone like me what would be considered the proper HDMI cables? Is spending more pointless?
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post #3 of 36
3/20/08 at 6:15am

Re: Monster Cable at it again.

Quote:
Originally Posted by allprolab
I am brand new to HDMI and would like to not be one of the fools. So can you inform someone like me what would be considered the proper HDMI cables? Is spending more pointless?

HDMI is an all digital signal with proper error checking, so you either get the entire signal or you get a degraded signal that is quite evident, usually showing as massive sparkling on the display leading to no picture at all. Basically, an HDMI cable either works or it doesn't, you can't get a "better quality" picture from HDMI, unless "better quality" means watchable vs. unwatchable. Don't tell that to Monster, they don't like to hear it.

The "high speed" BS is more of the same. They allude to improvements in picture quality due to the "High Speed" capabilities of their $200+ cables, when the same capabilities can be built into a $10 cable.

For a good price on quality HDMI without breaking the bank, try Bettercables.com or Monoprice.com. You can equip your entire setup for less than the price of one Monster HDMI cable and have the same quality picture.
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post #4 of 36
3/20/08 at 7:25am

Re: Monster Cable at it again.

Why oh why didn't HDMI just use a cat-5e ethernet cable with RJ-45 plugs? Heck, you can send data at over 100 Gb/s that way..... And, if HDMI was split into audio and video components over separate connections, we wouldn't have to figure out how to get sound to one box while picture goes to another...
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post #5 of 36
3/20/08 at 9:08am

Re: Monster Cable at it again.

Well I think I ripped myself off. I bought a hdmi monster cable for $70. I truly had no idea I was paying too much. It's a rookie mistake I'm not making again.
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post #6 of 36
3/20/08 at 9:44am

Re: Monster Cable at it again.

Quote:
Originally Posted by allprolab
Well I think I ripped myself off. I bought a hdmi monster cable for $70. I truly had no idea I was paying too much. It's a rookie mistake I'm not making again.

Don't blame yourself. I know people who have decades of time and hundreds of thousands of dollars invested in their A/V hobby who, even after being shown the irrefutable proof that HDMI is an all or nothing transport, still believe the hype (*cough* fraud *cough*) foisted by Monster and other (believe it or not) even more expensive "boutique" cable companies. Scary thought, but there are other companies out there whose marketing campaigns label Monster's prices as "entry level".

I guess that 1000%-5000% profit margin has to go somewhere.
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post #7 of 36
3/20/08 at 9:52am

Re: Monster Cable at it again.

By the way Pete, don't buy into Monster's hype about "Digital" audio cables either. For digital coax, the SPDIF specifications were actually designed for a simple 75 Ohm yellow ended RCA video cable and for optical, I've used a $10 Walmart special for going on 10 years. This assumes a DD/DTS signal. PCM brings up concerns of jitter, which is a whole 'nother argument (and will bring the "golden ears" folks out like ants to a picnic ).
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post #8 of 36
3/20/08 at 11:53pm
Thread Starter 

Re: Monster Cable at it again.

Quote:
Originally Posted by allprolab
Well I think I ripped myself off. I bought a hdmi monster cable for $70. I truly had no idea I was paying too much. It's a rookie mistake I'm not making again.
You wanted the best. There's no fault in that. Many people, when new to home theater, make this mistake. I did it myself. You spend money buying the best equipment you can and using the old "you get what you pay for" mentality you do the same with interconnects such as component, fiber optic and HDMI. Monster counts on the ignorance of new consumers. I believe they are the companies bread and butter. Once you know that the difference isn't there it's easy to make the right call. Not many newbies know this, though. That's the reason why this forum is so important. New consumers who come here first get the lay of the land and advice from some of the best. Recently, I read here that a test was done using coat hangers instead of wires( I believe for speakers) and audiophiles couldn't even tell the difference. Some people who would swear there is a difference in cables from Monster and other comparable cables from other companies are wrong. Some people believe if somethings more expensive it must be better. I know differently and now so do you. Welcome to the world of the HTF HDMI informed, my friend.
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post #9 of 36
3/21/08 at 5:31am

Re: Monster Cable at it again.

Yeah, live and learn. No biggy. I am happy to say all the optical audio cables I've bought were cheap ones. That makes me feel a bit better. Heh.
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post #10 of 36
3/21/08 at 3:02pm

Re: Monster Cable at it again.

Well each person has their own take on cables in general but I have been able to hear differences in cables when I have tried them back to back. Granted it was not a double blind test but the changes were there for me. The cheaper cables like the ones that come with the equipment were "dull" compared to better cables such as the Monsters. I have even been able to demo a couple super high end MIT and Transparent audio and video cables loaned to me by a store.

I could hear things different be it the sharpness of the voices or the sizzle of the high hat. There are even bass notes that are muddy with some, thin with others and then some that seem to get it just right.

People can argue all day about how cables are all the same and I for one believe there is a limit I am willing to pay for a cable for anything. The fact is though I "think" I an hear differences and if the cable is not too expensive for me I would buy it. The other reason I like nice cables is because this is also a hobby, the same way people buy polished aluminum parts for the car or fancy wheels. This just shows your taste and pride in your choices. It is not always about performance but choice.
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post #11 of 36
3/21/08 at 4:25pm

Re: Monster Cable at it again.

There is a difference in the question asked (about HDMI) and speaker cables.

Did your blind test include switching back and forth from a high-end HDMI cable to an inexpensive one? That is a blind test that I’d be very surprised if the results were repeatable.
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post #12 of 36
3/21/08 at 11:19pm
Thread Starter 

Re: Monster Cable at it again.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mjorgensen
I could hear things different be it the sharpness of the voices or the sizzle of the high hat. There are even bass notes that are muddy with some, thin with others and then some that seem to get it just right.

People can argue all day about how cables are all the same and I for one believe there is a limit I am willing to pay for a cable for anything. The fact is though I "think" I an hear differences and if the cable is not too expensive for me I would buy it. The other reason I like nice cables is because this is also a hobby, the same way people buy polished aluminum parts for the car or fancy wheels. This just shows your taste and pride in your choices. It is not always about performance but choice.
There are some conflicting points here. It's always about performance. If you're buying expensive cables based on how they look and not on how they perform, then you're wasting money. People shouldn't be able to see your cables in the first place. Having cables in clear view where everyone can see them would look like shit, no matter how pretty they are. I need my cables to do one thing, perform the best job transfering data from point A to point B. Lower cost cables that perform every bit as good as Monster will be my choice all the time. The money you save not buying Monster cables can be put towards something truely beneficial, like better speakers or a better receiver. Now, that's something that would make a hell of a difference in performance.
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post #13 of 36
3/22/08 at 6:30am

Re: Monster Cable at it again.

I've been taken by Monster twice before I began reading,the first time it was a $100 fiber optic cable that promised to eliminate interference (its light folks, no RF or EMI) and the second it was a $100 HDMI cable. Yes, its built very well, so well in fact, that the heavy ends sometimes sag and come loose from the back of the TV. Both of these connections are digital and do not require the type of overbuild and shielding that Monster claims, just like The Who says, I won't get fooled again and to claim that you can hear a difference in most cables is just silly.
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post #14 of 36
3/22/08 at 8:31am

Re: Monster Cable at it again.

Whether it's Marketing, consumerism or psychology, sometimes we spend more on things just because it makes us feel better. The mind is a tricky thing and even if I know there isn't much of a difference in performance I'm willing to pay a bit more (but not a lot) for peace of mind. I certainly won't spend $100-150 on an HDMI or $75 on a fiber optic, but I'm not about to hook up my cherished equipment with the cheapest things I can find either. I try to find good quality at a fair price. Regardless of brand.
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post #15 of 36
3/22/08 at 9:28am

Re: Monster Cable at it again.

Quote:
The other reason I like nice cables is because this is also a hobby, the same way people buy polished aluminum parts for the car or fancy wheels. This just shows your taste and pride in your choices.
What it shows is that you like the "jewelry" aspect of High End Audio, as in "Look at me! See how pretty my stuff is! See how much money I have to spend!"

I do wish people were more honest about this sort of thing, and admit that they're buying based on looks, without trying to claim "superior" performance.
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post #16 of 36
3/22/08 at 10:08am

Re: Monster Cable at it again.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mjorgensen
Well each person has their own take on cables in general but I have been able to hear differences in cables when I have tried them back to back. Granted it was not a double blind test but the changes were there for me. The cheaper cables like the ones that come with the equipment were "dull" compared to better cables such as the Monsters. I have even been able to demo a couple super high end MIT and Transparent audio and video cables loaned to me by a store.

I could hear things different be it the sharpness of the voices or the sizzle of the high hat. There are even bass notes that are muddy with some, thin with others and then some that seem to get it just right.

People can argue all day about how cables are all the same and I for one believe there is a limit I am willing to pay for a cable for anything. The fact is though I "think" I an hear differences and if the cable is not too expensive for me I would buy it. The other reason I like nice cables is because this is also a hobby, the same way people buy polished aluminum parts for the car or fancy wheels. This just shows your taste and pride in your choices. It is not always about performance but choice.

Dress these babies up with brushed aluminum sleeves and you have pretty and cheap->Warning: Contains Sacred Golden Eared Cow Skewering!!
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post #17 of 36
3/22/08 at 10:31am

Re: Monster Cable at it again.

You mean Mr lee can't get electrons to travel faster?

No....
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post #18 of 36
3/22/08 at 12:23pm

Re: Monster Cable at it again.

Quote:
I do wish people were more honest about this sort of thing, and admit that they're buying based on looks, without trying to claim "superior" performance.
Looks always play at least a small part in my decision when buying stuff. Mostly for quality reasons (it "looks" like it's made from better materials) but sometimes for appearance (my Swans put a smile on my face just by looking at 'em). And I've seen some cables that are so ugly I'd never buy them. Don't care how cheap they are or how well they perform. Don't want those things in my house! How's that for honesty .
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post #19 of 36
3/22/08 at 12:32pm

Re: Monster Cable at it again.

Quote:
The mind is a tricky thing and even if I know there isn't ANY difference in performance I'm willing to pay a bit more

Fixed it!!
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post #20 of 36
3/22/08 at 2:04pm

Re: Monster Cable at it again.

Quote:
Fixed it!! .
I was walking a fine line there and you just pushed me off it! (im-proper use of the banana but who gives a s#$%&) Besides, you only fixed the cause. The effect is still there. Or is it the other way around? . I'm so confused .
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post #21 of 36
3/22/08 at 5:00pm

Re: Monster Cable at it again.

Quote:
Originally Posted by RobertR
What it shows is that you like the "jewelry" aspect of High End Audio, as in "Look at me! See how pretty my stuff is! See how much money I have to spend!"

I do wish people were more honest about this sort of thing, and admit that they're buying based on looks, without trying to claim "superior" performance.

I don't really know how I should respond to this if at all. I feel that it really says more about "you" than me. I'm not rich by any means and rarely have anyone new in my theater so I do it for myself. Just because "I" choose "nice" things does not make me stupid, it does make you an A** for saying I do it to "impress" people. Get a life...
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post #22 of 36
3/22/08 at 7:11pm

Re: Monster Cable at it again.

Quote:
it does make you an A** for saying I do it to "impress" people.
Buying audio "jewelry" doesn't have to be done to impress others. It's no less jewelry if you do it to show yourself your "taste and pride in your choices".
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post #23 of 36
3/22/08 at 8:28pm

Re: Monster Cable at it again.

Quote:
Buying audio "jewelry" doesn't have to be done to impress others. It's no less jewelry if you do it to show yourself your "taste and pride in your choices.
I have to say that I really don't understand the problem with this audio jewelry thing (unless you have no taste or personal pride ). I consider my Swans (as well as most of my other stuff) to be "audio jewelry" because I enjoy looking at them almost as much as I enjoy listening to them. As for cables, even though I have some Monoprice stuff, as well as a few others and a couple of Standard Monster Cables, I usually spend a little more for them than that because I'm at the point in my life where I like having nicer things in my house whenever possible. If someone else thinks that's a waste or is "stupid" it doesn't bother me any. I like to buy things that tickle all the senses, not just the ones they were designed for. BTW, I also have two classic cars with lots of aluminum and chrome that I polish on occasion. Not because I'm trying to impress anyone (including myself) but just because I enjoy doing it . Just like I enjoy putting together a nice HT, including cables.
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post #24 of 36
3/22/08 at 8:37pm

Re: Monster Cable at it again.

Quote:
I have to say that I really don't understand the problem with this audio jewelry thing (unless you have no taste or personal pride ). I consider my Swans (as well as most of my other stuff) to be "audio jewelry" because I enjoy looking at them almost as much as I enjoy listening to them.
I don't have a problem with it either --as long as the person freely admits that's what it IS, and doesn't try to justify the stuff by claiming it really does "perform better" (shiny chrome looks nice on a car, but does anyone say it improves horsepower or decreases 0-60 time?). I've dressed up cables with Techflex to make them look nice. I don't pretend it makes them sound better, and buying Techflex from Parts Express is a HELL of a lot cheaper than buying "boutique" cables dressed in the stuff.
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post #25 of 36
3/22/08 at 9:48pm

Re: Monster Cable at it again.

It's probably not my place to say it (but that's never stopped me before ) but I think you read a lot more into it then what was actually meant. And there's a big difference between a "boutique" cable and a "nice" one. The reason I put myself into this is because I also buy what I think are "nice" cables. AR, Blue Jeans, and yes the occasional entry level Monsters, among others. And not because they perform any better but because it "looks" like they are made from better materials. Kinda like shinier chrome
Quote:
. shiny chrome looks nice on a car, but does anyone say it improves horsepower or decreases 0-60 time?)
Oh, I don't know. Smoother surface could lead to less wind resistance which might produce a slightly lower ET. Then again, maybe not. Have a good night.
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post #26 of 36
3/23/08 at 1:54am
Thread Starter 

Re: Monster Cable at it again.

Here's something I've never done. When someone comes to my house and I show off my system, I don't take them to the back where everythings hooked up and say "look at those cables I have there." Who cares? As long as they perform. If installed right, cables should not be seen. If it makes some feel better to know those expensive cables are back there, so be it. It makes me feel better to know I get the same quality performance and have spent hundreds less. I take pride in saving money . Also, who says less expensive cables= cheap cables . You can get some damn fine looking cables for a third or even less, than what Monster charges. Look, it's great to have a shielded/no interference cable that can transmit covert top secret spy communications. Or a cable that has a test of 500 pounds of strength so you can go swinging through your neighborhood like Spider-Man. However, at the end of the day, none of that super-duper bullshit matters. As long as the cables do what they are supposed to do. Which is to give me optimum performance.
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post #27 of 36
3/23/08 at 7:24am

Re: Monster Cable at it again.

Quote:
Here's something I've never done. When someone comes to my house and I show off my system, I don't take them to the back where everythings hooked up and say "look at those cables I have there
Me either. But "I" know they're back there and like I said before, good quality at a fair price is important to me.
Quote:
If it makes some feel better to know those expensive cables are back there, so be it. It makes me feel better to know I get the same quality performance and have spent hundreds less. I take pride in saving money
It does make me feel better knowing that I have hooked up my nice equipment with good quality cables. But I'm not talking about hundreds of dollars. The most I've spent on a cable is about $30 for a 12 foot component. Most of my other stuff is in the $10-20 range. You don't have to spend a lot to get a lot.
Quote:
Also, who says less expensive cables= cheap cables
Good point. But there are cheap cables out there.
Quote:
As long as the cables do what they are supposed to do. Which is to give me optimum performance.
Absolutely! But, particularly with analog cables, do we really know we're getting optimum performance from cheap (excuse me) in-expensive cable? I don't. So I'm willing to spend a few dollars more (a few, not hundreds) for cables that are made with what "appear" to be better materials. Just in case. Anyway, I've really enjoyed the conversation and hope I didnt upset anyone too much. Remember, these are cables we're talking about. No reason to get bent outta shape over them . I'm gone for the rest of the day. Happy Easter, everyone!
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post #28 of 36
3/23/08 at 8:06am

Re: Monster Cable at it again.

Quote:
Absolutely! But, particularly with analog cables, do we really know we're getting optimum performance from cheap (excuse me) in-expensive cable? I don't.

Yes, you do:

http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htf/...ifference.html

Can't get any "in-expensive" than coat hangers.
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post #29 of 36
3/23/08 at 8:25pm

Re: Monster Cable at it again.

I read that thread too but transmission of a signal is one thing, protecting that signal is something else. And until I'm able to conduct my own tests I'm willing to spend a few bucks more for Blue Jeans or PartsExpress just to be safe. And I'm not defending Monster Cable in the least bit. Their stuff is way too expensive for what it is and $250 for an HDMI cable is absurd.
Quote:
Can't get any "cheaper" than coat hangers.
And I fixed that one .
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post #30 of 36
3/23/08 at 10:56pm

Re: Monster Cable at it again.

Quote:
I'm willing to spend a few bucks more for Blue Jeans or PartsExpress
Just for the record, I don't consider Blue Jeans or Parts Express to be in the "ridiculously overpriced" category.
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