Dan Mertz
Stunt Coordinator
- Joined
- Nov 14, 2003
- Messages
- 97
I need to get some Component Video and Digital Optical Audio cables. Do different brands matter that much? Is there much difference between GE, RCA, or Monster?
I just notice that Monster cables are "THX Certified" and I don't know if that makes a differenceTo put this in very basic terms, it is silly to use THX rating for cables (interconnects and speaker wire).
THX involves two major factors.
First, for a product to get the rating it has to meet certain minimum, measurable performance standards. If an amplifier or receiver meets these basics (such as S/N ratio and distortion for an amp, selectivity and sensitivity for a tuner) it qualifies for one of the THX ratings which I believe include "Select," "THX" (standard), and "Ultra."
Second, the manufacturer must pay a fee to the THX organization. Nothing wrong with that, BTW, THX has to pay the bills just like everybody else. As long as the measurements and certification are kept separate from the fee paying, there will not even be an appearance of any funny biz.
This is why, as people have pointed out here, a $700 Kenwood A/V receiver has the THX seal while you might not find it on a $3,000 pre-pro that can run circles around the Kenwood. Kenwood is willing to pony up the cash in exchange for the expected boost in perceived quality of their product. A highly respected pre-pro maker doesn't really need to convince anybody of their quality level.
The reason THX is an odd mix with cables is that they do not directly affect those performance levels, unless an inappropriate type of cable were used. But as long as you're comparing apples to apples, two cables of the proper type for whatever job they are assigned, any cable will allow the amp, or whatever component under scrutiny by the THX folks, to perform as well as possible and thus have a fair chance of meeting the THX specs.
All else being equal, you will probably pay more for a cable with the THX certification as the cable manufacturer has paid the THX organization for the testing and stamp of approval and those costs will likely be passed along to you, the cable purchaser.
So, should a GE Digital Fiber-Optic Audio Cable suffice? ($14.99 at Circuit City)The GE will work fine.