Without knowing anything about the componets they use, or their profit margin, you cannot make that statement. Perhaps both cables are actually identical in every way, but BJ cables have a larger profit margin. Isn't that possible? Do you really think Monster cables are that much better than BJ cables, or do you think they just have an even greater profit margin? Either way, it doesn't matter if one cable has more 'quality componets', if the output is identical.

I have no doubt they are excellent amps - in fact the were on my short list when I was looking at amps (along with parasound). If I recall, I decided against them since they are digital amps (I believe).

[QUOTE=cpgator]Without knowing anything about the componets they use, or their profit margin, you cannot make that statement. Perhaps both cables are actually identical in every way, but BJ cables have a larger profit margin. Isn't that possible? Do you really think Monster cables are that much better than BJ cables, or do you think they just have an even greater profit margin? Either way, it doesn't matter if one cable has more 'quality componets', if the output is identical./QUOTE]

Oh, I totally believe that Monster has a much higher profit margin than BJ, and BJ has a higher margin than monoprice. But think about it for a second: take a $4 HDMI cable from monoprice. They must make a profit and the factory they're purchasing from makes a profit. Factor in material, labor: what kind of components CAN they use for that amount of money?

I have no idea since I am not a cable maker, but apparently they found a way to do it. I am not even sure what 'componets' that make up an HDMI cable could really be upgraded. I suppose you could use solid gold instead of the standard metal...

Since you seem to have such a great handle on how much these things should cost, just how much should a good cable cost to manufacture? And don't say "Not $4". Give me a real cost. Tell me how much a Monster cable costs to manufacture.

Using exm's logic, a Blu Ray disc that costs $19.99 must be inferior to one that costs $29.99. I mean, even though they are the same product, they are different. The markup on a $29.99 Blu Ray disc is more, therefore, it's of better quality.

Why does everything have to be compared to Monster? I can't give you number, since I'm not a manufacturer. What I am trying to do is reason from a logical perspective. Of course you can manufacture a cable for $1-$2 and add labor and profit margins on top. Because that's exactly what is happening here.

Will that give you a quality product? That's up to you to decide. You know my opinion.

Huh? How is that my logic?

I think a better comparison is televisions. Are all 50" LCD (or plasma television) identical in picture/sound, just because they are the same size and using the same LCD/plasma technology? Or is it fair to say to assume that a $200 50" LCD television is most likely made out of inferior components compared to let's say a $1,200 Panasonic and thus it is to be expected that the picture quality is less.

The problem with your analogy, though, is that the two different TVs are using different technology. To my knowlege, HDMI cables are made exactly the same and involve the use of identical components. The only real differences would be if the guages of the said wires are different.

Where is this $200 50" LCD TV you speak of. I want one!

Exactly. I mean, I won't be going to amazon and buying the cheapest HDMI cable I can find. From what everyone says by word of mouth, these cheaper brand cables such as monoprice and blue jeans offer great overall customer satisfaction in their quality and reliability. That's all that matters to me.

exm,
You are getting pretty close to a pro cable freak. Be careful, danger lies in the freak world. But you really should actually try a Monoprice HDMI cable before starting a war over them. So I look forward to the arrival of your new cable.

I'm really quite impressed. I didn't think DVDTalk could muster a discussion of this calibre. Very close to a real knockdown cable war by pro nutcases. Needs just a little more insanity on both sides. Also, how come no Porsche comparisons? Did I miss them, I scanned quickly. There have to be Porsche metaphors or you folks will always maintain your amateur status.

(in case you are wondering, I'm a DIYer, the 3rd side of the cable war......I'm the real PITA)

A DIYer for HDMI cable?? And what is the point of making your own cable? I can't imagine it would be cost effective.

I can't either, but it sounds cool at least...

RoboDad, thank you for your help in both recommending the appropriate 1.3a cables and an HDMI splitter for my situation. I have decided to purchase the new 1.3 splitter you linked above. Since the item is not in stock (but due soon), I placed my email address on the MonoPrice notify list. I was Number 781 on the list for this product! Apparently, there must be some pretty good buzz regarding this splitter! Again, thanks for the assistance and the MonoPrice links to help-out a J6P kind-of-guy!

exm, just provide us with a link that shows that Monoprice/Blue Jeans/Monster don't use the same components. And refrain from using that $200 lcd vs $1200 lcd or Kia vs Toyota analogy. They didn't work, and never will.

Monoprice quality:
010101010101010101001110100101001101110010110

Blue Jeans quality:
010101010101010101001110100101001101110010110

See how much crisper those 1s and 0s are?

Also, if you had Blue Jeans ethernet cables connected to your router or modem, you would be seeing an additional for-members-only message here:




If you didn't see the message above, it means that your cables are not a high enough quality and somehow the digital signal did not get through. It was automagically converted to a degradable analog signal by your stupid idiot $6 ethernet cable. Sucker!

Bus, I can see it, and I must say...I agree with that 100%.

Darn! I can't see it. Appears I need a new cable.

http://www.amazon.com/Monster-AI-ENE...0587756&sr=1-1

Crap. Time to get a new wireless cable.

My friend works at Best Buy and told me he buys Monster Cables at the store. I asked him why he is supporting Monster. He said it's because he gets a 70% discount. So yeah, profit margin is pretty high when it's sold to customers.

Strange - I though the high cost of cables simply reflected the quality componets found inside.

I have a bunch of Monster stuff. Some of the old cables are literally falling apart. I only got them because a friend worked at BB and got me sizeable (50-80%) discounts. And note this is what Best Buy is making on them, not Monster.

I can see the arguments for "more expensive cable = better cable" although you can't ignore the law of diminishing returns. Also, the argument is moot when the cable transmits digital information.

The 1.3b HDMI switch box (with remote) linked in Post #139 is now available for purchase at $39.10! I received my email notification from MonoPrice approximately 30-minutes ago. Apparently, there is no sales tax for anyone outside of California. However, there is a shipping and handling charge.

"You can get to the point where certain 1's get low enough in voltage to look like 0's. What this means is a poorer quality cable may not manifest it’s shortcomings on better designed equipment. "