I just recently bought a Pioneer HTD-510DV and I really like everything with it. I just have one question, I was wondering if I should buy Monster Cable or anything other than what they supplied with me in the box. Does it make a noticable difference and where could I buy it from?

I'm not going to say it will make a noticable difference on your system or not cause all systems are different. You should upgrade from the OEM cables, just for sheilding purposes though.

I wouldn't get Monster cable though. They aren't all they are hyped to be. They are overpriced for the performance you get. If you want Monster save a few bucks and just get Radio Shack gold cables. They are probably better at alot less.

Personally, I have decided on Cobalt Cables and will be selling of the other brands in my system soon to get money to do my whole system with Cobalt's.

The pricing is reasonable, the build quality is great and the CS is also excellent.

www.cobaltcables.com

There are many who say that any well sheilded 75ohm cable will do also, but I did notice a slight difference in sound quality on my system with these cables over some others that I was using(kimber, Nordost, Straight Wire and one Monster cable)

Cables can be a cheap tweak (or expensive... depending on what you get). Monster cables are good, but they tend to be over priced. If you are shopping at Best Buy or so, check out AR cables. They are just as goode as monster, but cheaper in price. If you get them from Best Buy too, you can always take them back if you feel they don't feel they improve anything. Take note, give it some time... cables actually do have a break in period. I would personally check out AudioQuest cables. They have stuff that equally priced as Monster and AR to high end cables for the hardcore audiophile. Just check out the web site for local dealers. Mainly mom and pop stereo shops will be selling these which I think it is good to support these stores, especially since they will bend over backwards for you and overall have much more knowledgable sales personal.

Forgot about Better Cables, who also have some great cables. They can only be order on-line, but I think they carry a 60 day guarantee.

Ahhh yes, the oft-debated, never-ending cable debate.
Again at the center of this debate: Monster Cable.
navajo, keep in mind that for every blanket 'Monster is overpriced' or 'Monster is good but costs too much' comment made here and elsewhere, never once has a specific product been mentioned.
Monster Cable makes literally hundreds of different products from entry-level cables to audiophile-market interconnects. Before you make any decision, I urge you to let your eyes and ears be the judge and do some research/price comparisons before you make a purchase.

Yes, it is truely a hot topic on these threads. I think everyone will agree, however, that replacing the factory issues cable is recommended. I find that Monster Cable is some of the best stuff out there, and is worth the price, but half of the people on this thread will disagree.

I have almost exclusive Monster cables in my home theater for a couple of reasons:

1. readily available, I have no trouble finding monster product at brick and mortars. (sorry, I can't shop at Radio Shack, they may make a fine product but I just can bring myself to go in there and get asked my address when I want to buy a $.30 connector, drives me nuts)

2. The custom dealer I go to for components uses Monster and only Monster. I have spent many an hour in that place listening to and watching components.

Like was previously said, there are many grades of cable but even their worst product is probably better than run of the mill OEM stuff.

If you have relatively nice equipment, you will notice a difference. If you have a 1981 13" color TV you bought on a streetcorner (you know, Suny, Sonyo, Poneer) then you may as well stay with the OEMs.

Thanks for all the input and I'll have to look and price around.

simple answer for this system is no.

(Unless you can see it and better cable make you feel good)

Just out of curiosity, which Monster Cable product were you advising against here? Since nothing was mentioned other then brand name alone, I was just curious how you could advise against it. Thanks.

I was wondering whether I should purchase Radio Shack Gold Series cables for $11.99 or Monster Cables from circuitcity.com for $19.99 and free shipping. If jumbojp is right, Radio Shack Gold Series should actually be better than Monster Cable.

Radio Shack Cable may be equivalent to the low end Monster cable. Monster however makes many lines of cable for all budgets, with Radio Shack cable not even being close in quality to the higher end monster.

Truth be told, I use Radio Shack gold interconnects throughout my system almost exclusively, and highly recommend them for their value. They pass the signal, without interference, which is the most important aspect in any sound system.

Don't get caught up in too much cabeling hype, and save your money to buy other components and more DVDs. You will gain more enjoyment in the long run.

J

For the digital connections, I think upgrading to Monster Cables is a good idea. I personally like Monster Cables. They are more expensive but worth it for certain connections. I also like the Monster cable for my Subwoofer connection.

Lets just say I know the 510 system very well

IMO, There is no one that could tell the difference between standard 18 GA wire and any of the monster cable products in a blind test with this system. So the only reason to do it is if it looks better. (Again IMO)

The 510 wire looks very cheap and is color coded for easy of use. If you could see it I would just go to a hardware store and buy what every color is best "zip" cord. This is 18 or 16 GA lamp cord which comes in white, black and brown. Then get an RCA from Radio Shack for the sub.

The 510 has the dvd built in so there is no need for other connections.

The biggest point of consideration is does it make a difference to you .
Different grades of cable will make a difference in performance (except in digital transmissions where the signal is either there or not there in which case durability can become the primary consideration). But can you hear or see it? People listen and watch in different ways for different things and while advocates can expound ad nauseum about topics like "skin effect" and wire capacitance, if you can't tell the difference it doesn't matter.

I do echo JumboJP's sentiments about shielding, especially on video cables. If you are using a composite (as opposed to S-video) or component connection, use a 75-ohm coax or mini-coax interconnect to maintain signal integrity. And please, PLEASE, don't use the cheesy yellow cable that comes with so many pieces of video equipment.

bfrank...just wondering if you saw my question to you and you were you just choosing to ignore it, or if maybe it slipped by 'ya
. Since I saw this reply after my post I'd thought I'd ask again.

I have all Monster cables, I guess I could of bought cheaper cables and perhaps not notice any difference,but I think one of the added bonus of Monster cables is recognizablity. People come over and see my home theatre and they're like SHI!! Monster cables! that'S nice...

i dont think anybody would be saying "wow nice Radioshack cables..."

LOL

Sorry no cruel intent, I am in a good mood and I found that very amusing thats all