Any noticeable difference between component cables?

[Big Chupa]

I recently purchased an A/V switch to get more component video inputs, but now am faced with buying one more length of component video cables to go from the switch to my HDTV. I see HUGE variations in price, from the $60.00 Monster-brand cables to $8.99 for RCA brand component cables. Do they really vary in quality? If so, which is the best to get? I'm willing to pay for quality, I guess, but probably only up to $30 tops.
Thanks in advance for any advice!

[johns0]

The main difference you will feel is a lighter wallet.Monster cables are a ripoff price wise and quality is crap.Stick with cheaper cables.

[Gritz]

I just installed plain-Jane RCA cables from a Phillips DVD Player to a 27" Oliva HDTV using an extra set of inexpensive composite/audio cables and could see no difference or problem with the quality. If feel you must have the Monster Cables you can get them at Wal-Mart (last time I looked) for much less then at the speciality stores. I suspect for short distances any RCA cable will work fine.

[redwudz]

Just my opinion, but as far as stereo 6 ft RCA cables, you shouldn't pay more than about $15US, and at that price, they should be top of the line.

There are a lot of good cable manufacturers, Belkin is one. I agree Monster brand is a tremendous rip off. Yes, you can probably use a $.99US cable and you probably won't have any problems. However, the really cheap connectors will loosen and the cables may break at a flex point.

Even Radio Shack that sells Monster cables has a house brand that is decent quality and decent priced. Just ignore the hype and buy a name brand that has been around for a while.

[pbhalerao]

As Gritz said at short distances (less that 5') there is no difference. Monster cable have created a hype (all that stuff about best signal, gold plating for best contact, etc). I have a video RCA cable that came with my VCR and a Monster RCA cable. I swear to you that there is no difference - not to my eye at least.

At longer distances, there is possibility of noise being introduced into the signal. This is perhaps where better shielding comes into picture. Hence long distance cables should have better shielding. Again not necessary to go with Monster - any decent (trusted) company will do.

[Big Chupa]

Thanks everyone - I ended up picking up 6 ft cable from Radio Shack for $30.00 and it works great.