Component cable - cheap vs expensive
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 236
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Component cable - cheap vs expensive
Is there any real difference in performance if you're using video component cable of expensive brand like Monster, QED, IXOS, etc. compared to say, cheap RCA cable, as usually included in DVD player (the red, white, and yellow cable - that would work as component cable right?)
Does expensive cable truly enhance the video performance? I'm using a 26' LCD.. and I would also liek to know how's the difference in bigger screens...
Thanks in advance
Does expensive cable truly enhance the video performance? I'm using a 26' LCD.. and I would also liek to know how's the difference in bigger screens...
Thanks in advance
#3
DVD Talk Hall of Fame
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: Orange
Posts: 7,737
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yeah, don't go cheap by using the one in the box, but no reason to go with Monster cables. I just bought A BUNCH of cables from Monoprice and they are great. I am ONLY using Monoprice cables in my system. I hooked up everything tonight and the cables are heavy duty and of great quality. I haven't had a chance to test them, but they feel great and have gotten great reviews.
Just waiting on my TV and I'll run the last HDMI cable and I'm done.
Just waiting on my TV and I'll run the last HDMI cable and I'm done.
#5
The red, white, and yellow RCA is probably not a good idea. The red and white are a different grade of cable intended for audio. If you absolutely have to do this, use yellow for luminance, Y (the green connector) and the red and white for Pb and Pr (the red and blue connectors) because they are more compressed and lower bandwidth; but still not recommended.
Three video grade cables (yellow ends) would work if they were the same length and you sorted the ends out (color coding is convenient). But Monoprice component cables with color coded ends are dirt cheap and work well. Don't fall for Monster Scam.
The yellow video cables are also fine for coaxial digital audio connection.
There are probably many lower priced component cables that work well but I can only vouch for Monoprice, of which I own many, also their Toslinks for the digital audio.
Three video grade cables (yellow ends) would work if they were the same length and you sorted the ends out (color coding is convenient). But Monoprice component cables with color coded ends are dirt cheap and work well. Don't fall for Monster Scam.
The yellow video cables are also fine for coaxial digital audio connection.
There are probably many lower priced component cables that work well but I can only vouch for Monoprice, of which I own many, also their Toslinks for the digital audio.
#6
DVD Talk Special Edition
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Out of the sandbox!
Posts: 1,609
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The markup on Monster cables is so unbelievable it probably cost Monster the same as Monoprice to make cables, just Monster puts them in perty packages...
#7
DVD Talk Legend
Originally Posted by gijon213
The markup on Monster cables is so unbelievable it probably cost Monster the same as Monoprice to make cables, just Monster puts them in perty packages...
#8
DVD Talk Limited Edition
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Mpls, MN
Posts: 6,830
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by OldDude
The red, white, and yellow RCA is probably not a good idea. The red and white are a different grade of cable intended for audio. If you absolutely have to do this, use yellow for luminance, Y (the green connector) and the red and white for Pb and Pr (the red and blue connectors) because they are more compressed and lower bandwidth; but still not recommended.
Three video grade cables (yellow ends) would work if they were the same length and you sorted the ends out (color coding is convenient). But Monoprice component cables with color coded ends are dirt cheap and work well. Don't fall for Monster Scam.
The yellow video cables are also fine for coaxial digital audio connection.
Three video grade cables (yellow ends) would work if they were the same length and you sorted the ends out (color coding is convenient). But Monoprice component cables with color coded ends are dirt cheap and work well. Don't fall for Monster Scam.
The yellow video cables are also fine for coaxial digital audio connection.
#9
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 236
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Unfortunately guys, I'm not living in US, I'm in Indonesia, so I don't have privilege to buy Monoprice cables. Unless those cables are sold via online stores - but still international delivery cost would still count...
Monster cable is widely sold here in Indonesian HT specialists, ranging from 50 - 100 bucks per meter. Not sure about other equal brand...
Then what about the difference in appearance? If you're using cheap compnent cable, how do the DVDs appear on your display, say LCD? And compared to "good quality" component cable? The picture goes noisy or what? I still don't know because I've never used any "good quality" comp. cable...
Monster cable is widely sold here in Indonesian HT specialists, ranging from 50 - 100 bucks per meter. Not sure about other equal brand...
Then what about the difference in appearance? If you're using cheap compnent cable, how do the DVDs appear on your display, say LCD? And compared to "good quality" component cable? The picture goes noisy or what? I still don't know because I've never used any "good quality" comp. cable...
#10
DVD Talk Limited Edition
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Mpls, MN
Posts: 6,830
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Monoprice doesn't ship outside of the USA and Canada, so no good for you. But there must be something available to you that costs less than Monster. Here we can buy ok cables at discount stores, home improvement stores, department stores, electronics stores, all over the place.
If you can find at least RG-59 coax cables, you'll be good. RG-6 is even better, but not really necessary. Most Monster stuff is RG-59. The better (more expensive) versions often just add better connectors, not better cable.
Otherwise Monster is fine. We're just talking about saving money and not getting ripped off for marketing hype.
If you can find at least RG-59 coax cables, you'll be good. RG-6 is even better, but not really necessary. Most Monster stuff is RG-59. The better (more expensive) versions often just add better connectors, not better cable.
Otherwise Monster is fine. We're just talking about saving money and not getting ripped off for marketing hype.
#11
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 236
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Wow, wait a minute. So the cable and connectors both play significant role?
Hmm actually guys, I need to be sure - does "good quality component cable" gives better video performance than bad quality cable? How do they differ?
Hmm actually guys, I need to be sure - does "good quality component cable" gives better video performance than bad quality cable? How do they differ?
#12
DVD Talk Legend
Originally Posted by Djangoman
Wow, wait a minute. So the cable and connectors both play significant role?
Hmm actually guys, I need to be sure - does "good quality component cable" gives better video performance than bad quality cable? How do they differ?
Hmm actually guys, I need to be sure - does "good quality component cable" gives better video performance than bad quality cable? How do they differ?
Without getting into the debate that is "cables" you should always look for good quality and construction.
In general a good quality well made cable regardless of price will outperform a poorly made cable.
Only you can decide how much to spend on said cable. Monoprice (if available to you) are good quality well made cables.
#13
DVD Talk Hero
Originally Posted by Spiky
Monoprice doesn't ship outside of the USA and Canada, so no good for you. But there must be something available to you that costs less than Monster. Here we can buy ok cables at discount stores, home improvement stores, department stores, electronics stores, all over the place.
If you can find at least RG-59 coax cables, you'll be good. RG-6 is even better, but not really necessary. Most Monster stuff is RG-59. The better (more expensive) versions often just add better connectors, not better cable.
Otherwise Monster is fine. We're just talking about saving money and not getting ripped off for marketing hype.
If you can find at least RG-59 coax cables, you'll be good. RG-6 is even better, but not really necessary. Most Monster stuff is RG-59. The better (more expensive) versions often just add better connectors, not better cable.
Otherwise Monster is fine. We're just talking about saving money and not getting ripped off for marketing hype.
#14
DVD Talk Limited Edition
Originally Posted by Brian Shannon
Absolutely.
Without getting into the debate that is "cables" you should always look for good quality and construction.
In general a good quality well made cable regardless of price will outperform a poorly made cable.
Only you can decide how much to spend on said cable. Monoprice (if available to you) are good quality well made cables.
Without getting into the debate that is "cables" you should always look for good quality and construction.
In general a good quality well made cable regardless of price will outperform a poorly made cable.
Only you can decide how much to spend on said cable. Monoprice (if available to you) are good quality well made cables.
I will say I briefly used a 16ft RCA cable for a component cable as I didn't have a cable long enough. I didn't notice a difference. Technically, as someone said above, there is a difference: composite a/v cables have only the video cable shielded well, whereas component cables call for all 3 cables to be shielded.
#15
DVD Talk Limited Edition
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Mpls, MN
Posts: 6,830
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
That is for audio, not video. You can't have blind tests for video. If you compare a proper coax and an improper cable, video differences are easy to see. They take many forms and can look just like issues caused by other things like poor signal from antenna/cable. Snow, grounding waves, color loss, etc.
#16
Mod Emeritus
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: Gone to the islands - 'til we meet again.
Posts: 19,053
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Spiky
... You can't have blind tests for video. ...
#17
DVD Talk Limited Edition
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Mpls, MN
Posts: 6,830
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yes, I know. But it requires you to not see the changeover, and not leave the room. It's not like audio, your eyes are the measuring stick.
I suppose you could turn off the TV during each switch. That might approximate a double blind test. So you'd not want to do it with many of today's technologies, perhaps a CRT direct view model. Better sit close.
I suppose you could turn off the TV during each switch. That might approximate a double blind test. So you'd not want to do it with many of today's technologies, perhaps a CRT direct view model. Better sit close.
#18
[QUOTE=Spiky]Yes, I know. But it requires you to not see the changeover, and not leave the room. It's not like audio, your eyes are the measuring stick.
[QUOTE]
I don't agree. The most common form is the ABX test:
*You are presented A, identified
*You are presented B, identified
*You are presented X (not the moderator) and asked to identify it as either A or B. The selection of X is randomized, and neither the tester nor the subject know in advance whether X will be A or B.
When X can not be reliably identified after exposure to A and B, A and B are assumed indistinguishable. Note that you are not asked which is better, although, of course, if X is readily distinguished, that would be a good secondary question.
[QUOTE]
I don't agree. The most common form is the ABX test:
*You are presented A, identified
*You are presented B, identified
*You are presented X (not the moderator) and asked to identify it as either A or B. The selection of X is randomized, and neither the tester nor the subject know in advance whether X will be A or B.
When X can not be reliably identified after exposure to A and B, A and B are assumed indistinguishable. Note that you are not asked which is better, although, of course, if X is readily distinguished, that would be a good secondary question.
#19
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 236
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Just got a 1 m QED Qunex P-CV1 component cable to see by myself how "good cable" performs compared to "cheapie cable" (red-white-yellow RCA). This QED cable is supposed to be good, as it is "award winner" What Hi-Fi Magazine.
Unfortunately I find very little difference. I don't feel like watching something new, or experiencing different sense like, say, when I find the difference between viewing DVD in progressive scan mode and non progressive..
The only thing I notice is that on dark / black scenes which usually look noisy and murky, now it looks smoother, or even soft. But still, this is quite subtle difference, I don't think most people can notice that.. Other than that, I found no difference... no such thing as better depth, richer color, picture looks more "alive" or whatsoever they're advertising. . or maybe I just can't identify them?
Or maybe anyone here can point out which DVD that can be used as reference in distinguishing good cable vs bad cable? BTW, my hardware is 26" Samsung LCD TV R71B and Pioneer 676A DVd player (it's similar to 575A model).
Unfortunately I find very little difference. I don't feel like watching something new, or experiencing different sense like, say, when I find the difference between viewing DVD in progressive scan mode and non progressive..
The only thing I notice is that on dark / black scenes which usually look noisy and murky, now it looks smoother, or even soft. But still, this is quite subtle difference, I don't think most people can notice that.. Other than that, I found no difference... no such thing as better depth, richer color, picture looks more "alive" or whatsoever they're advertising. . or maybe I just can't identify them?
Or maybe anyone here can point out which DVD that can be used as reference in distinguishing good cable vs bad cable? BTW, my hardware is 26" Samsung LCD TV R71B and Pioneer 676A DVd player (it's similar to 575A model).
#20
DVD Talk Limited Edition
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Mpls, MN
Posts: 6,830
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Smoother dark scenes sounds like "richer color" and more "alive" to me. Not sure why you expected something like switching display tech, it is only a wire.
Assuming the picture is perfect when it leaves the player, a cable can only damage it. A better cable damages it less, that's why it may look better. And considering that topnotch cables can be found/made for peanuts, it is worthwhile to get a good one instead of a mediocre one for the same or more money.
Assuming the picture is perfect when it leaves the player, a cable can only damage it. A better cable damages it less, that's why it may look better. And considering that topnotch cables can be found/made for peanuts, it is worthwhile to get a good one instead of a mediocre one for the same or more money.
#21
New Member
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Spiky
Monoprice doesn't ship outside of the USA and Canada
Hi
can a fellow Canadian comment on buying from Monoprice. What are the shipping rates? I couldn't find it on their site.
Thanks
#22
Member
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Happy new year!
They ship using USPS Air Parcel for Canada.
To figure out the shipping costs, just put any item in the shopping cart and hit 'add to cart'. Next enter your Canadian postal code and press “get S&H rate”. No need to actually buy anything at that point.
For example, I entered “V8K1A6” and the shipping & handling was $3.73 for a $13.96 priced item.
They ship using USPS Air Parcel for Canada.
To figure out the shipping costs, just put any item in the shopping cart and hit 'add to cart'. Next enter your Canadian postal code and press “get S&H rate”. No need to actually buy anything at that point.
For example, I entered “V8K1A6” and the shipping & handling was $3.73 for a $13.96 priced item.
Last edited by warbird; 01-01-07 at 07:24 PM.
#23
DVD Talk Hero
I'm actually have some trouble with the RG6 cables I'm using for component. At least I think it is the RG6 cables. I've ordered some CL-2 rated component cables from monoprice...will see how they do.
#25
DVD Talk Legend
Originally Posted by Djangoman
Is there any real difference in performance if you're using video component cable of expensive brand like Monster, QED, IXOS, etc. compared to say, cheap RCA cable, as usually included in DVD player (the red, white, and yellow cable - that would work as component cable right?)
Does expensive cable truly enhance the video performance? I'm using a 26' LCD.. and I would also liek to know how's the difference in bigger screens...
Thanks in advance
Does expensive cable truly enhance the video performance? I'm using a 26' LCD.. and I would also liek to know how's the difference in bigger screens...
Thanks in advance
I have used them before in similar situations. The picture quality was indeed worse.
Just get something, anything that's a bit more solidly constructed.