It never fails, at least once a week or so, someone posts a 'How good is Monster Cable?' question, and is immediently told that Monster is overpriced, overrated, etc. The usual response is to go to Radio Shack, and that they are 'just as good' or other such talk.
Why I don't think Monster products are for everyone (the guy with the 10 year old VCR and 19" tv in his 'home theater') but I see a disturbing trend where everyone slams Monster for being overpriced, yet there are a dozen companies out there who sell similar products for 2 and 3 times the price of Monster. I have yet to see anyone slam Kimber cables, even though they sell speaker cables for $1.65 a foot. Or 1 meter digital cables for almost $100. God forbid anyone here read about those $10,000 speaker cables I read about.
When is something 'too much'? When you can't afford it. If I want to pay $38,000 for a pair of loudspeakers (I personally don't, but have read of those who have) then I should be allowed to do it. I have never heard Monster make any false claims about their products, and they are used very widely in the industry by professionals. Why wouldn't they use Radio Shack cables when re-mixing movie soundtracks? They sound just as good as Monster right? I don't think so.
I have heard the old 'wire is wire' claim, and sure, you may be able to run a signal with zip cord and some duct tape, or even a coat hanger, but why would you want to do that? If you are truly into the HT hobby, you are going to spend some money along the way. Period. If you need to cut corners in order to have some money for DVDs (as I have read quite often) you may need to rethink your set-up, because I'd be willing to bet you cut sorners in other places as well. And no, a 25" tv is not a Home Theater.
It's funny too, that most people are only aware of the low to mid range Monster Cable products that they see in Best Buy or Circuit City. I'm sure Radio Shack entusiasts would crap their pants if they saw the price tag on any of the M series cables and interconnects from Monster. You'll never see that in a store like Best Buy.
This has gotten long winded, and I don't want to seem like I'm down on Radio Shack cables or their supporters. Not at all. if that's what you want in your system, by all means go right ahead. I just think it's unfair that Monster gets slammed for 'hype' and 'marketing'. What hype is that? The only time I see ads for Monster are in the various magaines I read, which happen to be right next to the Kimber Cable ads, the Vampire Wire ads, etc. if that's hype then every single cable manufacturer is guilty of it.
Once again, sorry for ranting, I didn't intend to type this much.
Any intelligent thoughts on the matter?
Cheers.

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TROLL

Everyone knows monster is overpriced, just like Bose. Move on!

quote:<HR>Originally posted by whyme:

TROLL

Everyone knows monster is overpriced, just like Bose. Move on!<HR>

Newbie jackass. If I wanted unintelligent comments, I would have asked for those.



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quote:<HR>Originally posted by DVD_O_Rama:
Newbie jackass. If I wanted unintelligent comments, I would have asked for those.

<HR>

More proof you are a

TROLL

Keep posting it is obvious who the jacka__ is. Talk about unintelligent, get a grip!

quote:<HR>Originally posted by whyme:

More proof you are a

TROLL

Keep posting it is obvious who the jacka__ is. Talk about unintelligent, get a grip!

<HR>

I've never asked this before...but can a moderator please show this guy the exit sign?


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This is too funny. You start a troll thread, I call you on it, you insult me, then ask a moderator to ban me?

Wow, guess I should start trolling here if it is so well accepted.

Hey everyone Bose makes great speakers. Everyone should buy them, they are such a great bargain and they sound so awesome.

In before the lock!

I'm going to have to second.

To answer your original question, I think that people don't bash Kimber Kable, MIT, AudioQuest, etc, because those who even know what these companies make are aware that good quality cable can (and in my opinion does) make a difference.

Monster is a highly visible name that is in every shop, making it an easy target for criticism. To be fair, their lower end cables really aren't worth the price premium that the name warrants. Once you step into the M series (or higher) you are truly getting more for your dollar.

Will the average HT owner realize the difference between a $15 speaker cable and a $200 (or more) set? Maybe, maybe not. The ultimate tie breaker in the decision making process is whether or not the individual perceives a difference using the more expensive cables.

I was originally skeptical that good quality cables would make a difference. Now that I've tried a few different higher end lines, I've been converted. They do make a difference to me, and that's all that matters.

Cheers.

quote:<HR>Originally posted by edclem:
I'm going to have to second.

To answer your original question, I think that people don't bash Kimber Kable, MIT, AudioQuest, etc, because those who even know what these companies make are aware that good quality cable can (and in my opinion does) make a difference.

Monster is a highly visible name that is in every shop, making it an easy target for criticism. To be fair, their lower end cables really aren't worth the price premium that the name warrants. Once you step into the M series (or higher) you are truly getting more for your dollar.

Will the average HT owner realize the difference between a $15 speaker cable and a $200 (or more) set? Maybe, maybe not. The ultimate tie breaker in the decision making process is whether or not the individual perceives a difference using the more expensive cables.

I was originally skeptical that good quality cables would make a difference. Now that I've tried a few different higher end lines, I've been converted. They do make a difference to me, and that's all that matters.

Cheers.
<HR>

Thanks for the intelligent response. I knew there were people here who actually liked to participate in a thread.


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I actually think monster makes pretty good cables- but boy are the hard to get on and off equipment. I have been worried that either the connector or the cable would come off first so far the cable has first . I usually do not notice a difference between the lower end cables in passing a signal. I do see a quality of build difference that may in time cause the lower end cables to create problems due to them wearing out and not continuing to pass the signal without interference. I would think that long term the monster cable would outlast the other lower end cables.

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Other Bargains Coupon Pet Thread

quote:<HR>Originally posted by gcribbs:
but boy are the hard to get on and off equipment. I have been worried that either the connector or the cable would come off first so far the cable has first .<HR>

Yeah, especially any of the ones with their "turbine cut" connector. The only way I can get them off without scaring myself is to twist while pulling (gently, of course).

If it's good contact they're going for, they've definitely gotten it.

quote:<HR> quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by gcribbs:
but boy are the hard to get on and off equipment. I have been worried that either the connector or the cable would come off first so far the cable has first .
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Yeah, especially any of the ones with their "turbine cut" connector. The only way I can get them off without scaring myself is to twist while pulling (gently, of course).

If it's good contact they're going for, they've definitely gotten it.
<HR>

You actually hit that one right on the nose. If you go to an audio convention or show they often have a weight lifting competition for cables. They literally test to see how much weight a connected cable can hold.

And just to voice my opinion on this subject. Monster Cable does make decent cables for the price, but their low end cables are only just about as good as some radioshack cables, but both are better than the ones that come with your receiver/speakers.

People bash Monster Cables cause they suck!

j/k,

I think that lots of people don't have the equipment to really notice the difference between Kimber, Audioquest, Monster, AR and RatShack. I suspect many people here run on receivers and speakers under $3K, and in my opinion at such a price point, it may be difficult to pinpoint the differences between the cables. That said, I settle on partsexpress Phoenix Gold and Dayton Gold cables...mostly for their fit. I am also of the view that there is no difference in Monster and RatShack cables for the kind of equipment I'm running (Onkyo 676 and HTD L3s). And I suspect the people who actually run seperates and tubes wouldn't even touch Monsters with a 6ft pole.

quote:<HR>Originally posted by gcribbs:
boy are the hard to get on and off equipment. I have been worried that either the connector or the cable would come off first so far the cable has first <HR>

There is a trick to removing these cables - simply wiggle side to side or up and down as you gently tug out (away from unit)... you don't have to wiggle vigorously either. Think of chinese finger-cuffs... the harder you pull, the tighter they grip - that's kinda the idea here. Once you get a feel for it - they come right off for you slicker and quicker than standard cables.

High end monster cable does make some difference, not enough for the money in my opinion though. Unless you have really high end equipment, high end cables really aren't going to make that much of a difference. Anyways, the bashing of Monster cables mainly comes as a result of their lower end stuff. It costs a good bit more than Radio Shacks Gold series of cables, and yields the same, or worse, results in my experience.

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Josh Hinkle
My DVD's
My CD's

Anyone here a Monster Cable dealer and willing to be HONEST with us in how much the average markup is?

IMHO cost has nothing to do with the quality of the cable, this is why I listen to them myself before I decide. High end cables also have a really high % of profit for the dealer, that is what you pay for.

This is just my view from when I had a friend working at a little shop that sold monster. He CLAIMED (I am not sure) that the average markup was in the 125% to 150% range. Other friends I had working at 'the shack' claimed they made no where near that on their cables.

THIS WAS QUITE A FEW YEARS AGO. NEW DATA WOULD BE HELPFUL since there has been a big surge in the high end cable market in recent years.

To answer the topic, maybe monster is bashed because the cables don't cost much to make, they just have a high markup and appear to be a high end cable. JMO

I agree that money is not what makes a good cable. I listen to the cable first to decide if I like the response and tone it gives. My entire system is connected via Monster Cables, and I honestly couldn't be happier. I think that being happy with your system and your set-up is the most important thing. However, I will continue to purchase Monster Cable because I am very happy with their product and the guarantee. IMO, all cables are not created equal. The turbine connectors on the Monster Audio Cables give me a certain "peace of mind" with my connections.

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My DVD Collection

Monster Cable is MUCH more prominent than any other cable manufacturer with aggressive marketing and sales support.

Because it is so high profile, Monster Cable will draw the attention of cable skeptics & bashers. Some of these types "can't afford it", as you say. I think a fair number can, but hate the idea of inappropriate or unjustified spending.

On the other side of audiophiledom, many good cable supporters will criticize Monster, citing Monster Cable doesn't offer a good performance to price ratio, ESPECIALLY at entry level. They'll support many other choices: Kimber, Audioquest, Synergy, Tara Lab, IXOS, etc at similar price marks.

Finally, from either camp there can be alot of resentment directed towards a company that brags alot through extensive marketing. Bose is one of the worst offenders. Monster Cable is pretty bad, too. If, as it is, you don't think much of the product, it must really stir up the bile when you see this stuff declared "the pinnacle of cables" or pushed in your (or another's) face at Circuit City or Stereophile, even DVD talk.

If you've got Monster Cable and are happy with, great.

BTW, IMO, dumping on other people's gear or income levels is playing the same game as reflex Monster bashing - not the best way to promote civil discussion.



[This message has been edited by BEC (edited November 13, 2000).]

Well I don't have an expensive hook-up.
(Sony 30ES, Sony 560 DVD, Atlantic Tech 4.5 System) But I would be one of those that supports that cables do make a difference. I had the generic stuff when I was setting up, trying out placement and such. Then I upgraded to AudioQuest Type4+ on the speakers and even my wife noticed a difference. It wasn't a big one but there was a clarity. But it is in the little subtle nuances that you find the difference between a good listening experience and a truly great one.

Well, good for you Orlando.

As DVD-o-Rama pointed out, Monster Cable IN PARTICULAR gets bashed.

Most of that probably is general cable bashing from a wire-is-wire crowd.

I really do think some good-cable supporters single out Monster IN PARTICULAR as not the best in value or performance for the money.

Not to offend anyone, but for some HT types, Monster IS the Joe 6 Pack cable option. (Lamp cord would be the choice of the Joe potato skin distillery) They can't believe that Monster cable gets as much recognition as it does.

quote:<HR>Originally posted by BEC:
Monster Cable is MUCH more prominent than any other cable manufacturer with aggressive marketing and sales support.

Because it is so high profile, Monster Cable will draw the attention of cable skeptics & bashers. Some of these types "can't afford it", as you say. I think a fair number can, but hate the idea of inappropriate or unjustified spending.

On the other side of audiophiledom, many good cable supporters will criticize Monster, citing Monster Cable doesn't offer a good performance to price ratio, ESPECIALLY at entry level. They'll support many other choices: Kimber, Audioquest, Synergy, Tara Lab, IXOS, etc at similar price marks.

Finally, from either camp there can be alot of resentment directed towards a company that brags alot through extensive marketing. Bose is one of the worst offenders. Monster Cable is pretty bad, too. If, as it is, you don't think much of the product, it must really stir up the bile when you see this stuff declared "the pinnacle of cables" or pushed in your (or another's) face at Circuit City or Stereophile, even DVD talk.

If you've got Monster Cable and are happy with, great.

BTW, IMO, dumping on other people's gear or income levels is playing the same game as reflex Monster bashing - not the best way to promote civil discussion.

[This message has been edited by BEC (edited November 13, 2000).]<HR>

Sorry if I sounded like I was dumping on anyone for their set-up or income, as that was not my intention. Some of that was kind of a knee-jerk reaction to some things I have seen lately and the flagrant use of the word 'home theater' in the description of some peoples living rooms. If all you can afford is a B/W 19", but still love DVDs, more power to you. But that doesn't constitute a HT, even if you do have Monster interconnects in that set-up . That's a whole 'nother discussion, and don't want to turn this thread into that.
As far as the entry-level Monster stuff being overpriced, I guess that's in the eye of the beholder. Their cheap stuff should sound as good as their best, if you use the 'wire is wire' mindset, though. I don't really believe that, as I really believe you get what you pay for in the end.
As far as Monster being overhyped, I can't really agree with that, as I said earlier the only time I see Monster ads are in the publications where other manufacturers are advertising as well. I've seen more Better Cables ads online then Monster ads as well.
The reason you don't see Kimber Cables and their ilk in Best Buy and Circuit City is to my knowledge they don't produce cables that would be in the range of many of those stores average customers, the 'Joe Sixpacks' (as much as I despise that term, it seems to be used quite a bit, and I'm guilty of it as well) of the world.
As the majority has said, buy what sounds good to you, and what you like. I have used Monster from day one, and couldn't be happier. I'm not an audiophile (another term that gets bandied about ad nauseam, even though most that claim they are, don't come close to meeting that criteria) by any means, and I see no point in buying Radio Shack and doing a comparison between the two and seeing which one sounds better. I know when I buy a Monster product, I am getting a well made cable that does the job it's supposed to do. I personally don't mind paying more for something I like, and I am not a bargain hunter.
I didn't intend this thread to be a put down of any sorts to those who can't afford higher priced components or cables, and I'm sorry if it came off that way.
Cheers.


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Cables generally make a difference--up to a point! Yes, large-gauge cable is important (18 or 20 gauge will sound noticeably lousy on any decent system) and 12 gauge or so is plenty big for just about any HT wiring application. Connectors are important, with gold-plated ones being better because they are more resistant to oxidation and developing surface resistance.

Beyond that, you do NOT get what you pay for IMO--you can wind up paying a lot more for what amounts to no perceptible difference in audio or video. Monster is considered overhyped because they overhype their products' benefits. Their "oxygen-free" "nanocrystalline" "rf-baked" "Hyper-vacuum swaged" copper wire is a lot of advertising hyperbole that has no effect on signal transmission in the A/V range.

Sorry if I'm putting off anyone who's (over)spent hundreds of $$$ on super-duper cables for their system. But I've spent far too many years studying and practicing metallurgy to buy into Monster's self-generated hype.

Monster cable sells at most of its dealers with the dealer making around 60 points. Basically about $40.00 cost for a $100.00 retail cable. Monster's margins as sold to the dealers are roughly the same, so basically figure that there is around an 85% markup from Monster to dealer to consumer.

In my profile you will see I'm interested in wine. THERE'S a subject loaded with pretension and hype. I cut through the crap with blind tastings--comparing the same wine without knowing the winery, the price or its rating. Sometimes when the wine is revealed I discover that the cheaper--or lower rated--is the one I prefer and I buy a case.

Whenever I go into stores that tout Monster I ask if they have done blind listenings/viewings. The answer is always no. (Saying that you noticed the difference after buying them is not the same--because you have an expectation of enhanced quality)

I don't know if Monster's worth it; but I do know the only way to tell is to get someone to yank and switch those wires without you knowing which is which. Take notes and repeat the experiment. Then reach for your wallet.

quote:<HR>Originally posted by DVD_O_Rama:
, and I see no point in buying Radio Shack and doing a comparison between the two and seeing which one sounds better. I know when I buy a Monster product, I am getting a well made cable that does the job it's supposed to do.
<HR>

DVD_O_RAMA

Earlier in this thread you speak of only wanting intelligent remarks to your original post. Keeping that in mind, how does this comment belong?

How can you compare one cable to another if you have never heard the difference yourself? I couldn't.

This may be another reason people bash Monster cable. Since every "30 day return policy" type store sells them. Many people have heard/seen Monster for themselves and compared them to higher end Radio Shack cables (also has a 30 day return) and Monster lost...