Monster Cables: Do they give better quality?

[jthompson99]

I just started getting into caputring video from my old VHS tapes. I am using just a standard set of RCA Cables. So I go out to Best Buy or whereever and they have these Monster Cables that they claim give you better quality because these special cables reduce image loss, etc, etc.

Are these cables worth the $20-30 bucks they charge for them? Do they help with video capture quality.

Thanks.

[fmctm1sw]

Here's some data....

https://www.videohelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=162691&highlight=monster+cables

[jacknjt]

all i know is that monster cables give you brighter image, it's not better. it only work on dark videos. it tend to make your video worse in my opinion. so it's not worth it.

[LanEvo7]

It depends on how picky you are. In theory they are supposed to give better quality. I bought a monster audio cable because that was the only thing they had left in the store and I needed it. I really can't tell the difference between that and a regular gold plated one. I've used regular gold plated cables from many different brands (sony, radio shack, trisonic, etc.) and none have failed me yet. This is like 5-6 years now. Stories of monster cables being super quality and everything else failing is probably super exaggerated. In the end its probably not worth the extra money.

[dun4cheap]

But they look cool. My opinion is its a money thing, if you have a lot of money to waste then go for it, I personally think the monster cables are over rated, now I do recommend using decently shielded cables to stop interference.

[jthompson99]

Thanks guys for all the info......I will look into it.

[Gazorgan]

Proper gounding will help more than monster cables. Outlets on different phases combined with CableTV/Sattelite ground can create all kinds of groundloop/hum/noise issues, and no monster cables are going to help (much, they help some because they are often shielded and provide some grounding).

[mike_rach]

A lot depends on how good your equipment is too. $30 Monster cable isn't gonna help a $30 VCR out much.

[harrymj3]

It's a fair trade. They get your money and you get to feel better about your hobby. ............... harrymj3

[fmctm1sw]

And nothing says "cool" like a set of $30 RCA cables....

[ZippyP.]

And as far as monster cables being more durable....I've never worn out a set of cables yet. I plug 'em in and leave 'em.

[poppachocks]

I don't believe that there has ever been any REAL evidence that Monster cables are any better than a decent set of cables from the Rat Shack or anywhere else. All that has been presented here is PERSONAL opinion only. Someone show me link to any site that has done any real testing (VideoReview, HomeTheatre, etc.) showing that Monster cables are better, then I will eat my words.

[snowmoon]

Analog cables are one of those hot button topics that when the dust settles, most people cannot show any real evidence of a direct quality / price relationship.

Monster cables are better than chepo walmart, are they THAT much better based on cost difference? probably not.

Are they better than a well constucted average proced set of cables at walmart? Probably not.

Check http://www.avsforums.com/ for some very lengthy threads where elecrical engeeering people chime in with scientific responces.

[Gazorgan]

Unless you are using a spectrum analyzer, you generally can't tell. That is between regular and monster cables. Super Cheapo (like the kind included with your DVD player, are an entirely different matter!!!), are bad, and shouldn't be used for serious work. Although it's hard to tell cheap from regular unles you cut the ends off

[Bondiablo]

www.accessories4less.com has several different brands, some you won't find at best buy, for you to waste money on. i bought a set of the acoustic research ht161 a/v cables because i was getting interference in my captures using crappy generic cables. i like them better than the monster cables.