[jimmydean]

So I needed a couple HDMI cables to clean up my setup. After looking at $30 "cheap" cables at the local crap store, I figured I would just get some on ebay.

I got 3 cables for $4 each with free shipping. They cam today and they are HUGE! 6' cables, but they are about a 1/2" thick. They look like this:

The other 2 I have are standard gauge about keyboard cable sized without a filter on each end. What's the deal? Do they need the filter? Is the HUGE gauge a sign of a good cable?

 

[binary visions]

Yeah, I made the mistake of ordering the larger gauge DVI cables from Monoprice, only to find out they were like rods of solid copper. It's actually very difficult to move my monitor now because they don't bend easily enough

Generally, thicker = better (that is, after all, what she said), but it doesn't usually matter as much for short runs like you're using.

The magnet on either end just protects against EMI. It doesn't matter unless you're getting some interference from somewhere.

 

[jimmydean]

The magnet on either end just protects against EMI. It doesn't matter unless you're getting some interference from somewhere.

These bend enough, I was just thrown off by the filters. The "good" cable I bought at Video Only when I got the TV is easily half the gauge and has no filters.

They seem to work well enough. Guess I can't bitch considering I got 3 for less than half the price of the cheap cables locally.

 

[IH8Rice]

the "chokes" arent necessary. like BV said, you really only need them if youre getting a lot of interference.
i dont use them on any of my equipment besides my sub. ive got two very heavy duty chokes on it to prevent some buzzing from cell phones.

typically thicker cables offer more shielding, but even the thinner cables usually never have problems.

i bought 4 2.5meter cables shipped from amazon.com for $12. i laugh whenever i see someone buy overpriced cables from retail stores.

 

[jimmydean]

I just thought it was odd because I usually only see them on monitors or other displays. But I guess since I do run one cable to the TV it makes some sense. I doubt there is any EMI going on, though.

High Speed HDMI 1.3a Category 2 Certified Cable 28AWG - 6ft w/Ferrite Cores (Gold Plated Connectors) - BLACK

The latest revision for HDMI doubles the bandwidth of the original and has opened the door for a host of potential new advancements in Home Theater Audio/Video performance. New features such a "Deep Color", higher color gamut, and high resolution, multi-channel audio formats like Dolby True HD and DTS-HD Master Audio will make higher bandwidth demands than ever before. Equipment manufacturers are bringing out new devices to take advantage of these new features. Category 2 testing ensures that the standard set by this new requirements are adhered to.

Be ready for what the future has in store with our HDMI 1.3a, Category 2 certified cables. These cables have been designed to meet the high bandwidth performance standards set by HDMI 1.3a and has passed stringent Category 2 testing. cables are constructed to the highest quality with full triple layer shielding from end to end, strong, solid wire welds and the highest quality materials including high purity copper, gold plated connectors and tin plated conduits.

They sound awesome. I'm happy at $3.99 each with free priority shipping. They got here in 2 days.

 

[IH8Rice]

yeah, you cant beat the prices you find on the internet for all cables....especially HDMI cables. i think Monster's cheapest cable is $39(?) for a 1m cable...you can buy a 1m HDMI cable for about $2 online.

i can see spending a couple more bucks on speaker wire, because there is a demonstrable difference.

 

[binary visions]

i can see spending a couple more bucks on speaker wire, because there is a demonstrable difference.

I've always had a tough time buying that. Definitely want to go with reasonable quality, large gauge wire... but I don't really buy into the high quality speaker wire thing.

Old and not scientific, but funny:

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showpost.php?p=15412&postcount=28

 

[IH8Rice]

i always thought it was mumbo jumbo sales marketing talk too until i did a A & B test of basic 14gauge speaker wire and medium/high priced 12 gauge wire.

when pushing through a large amp/pre amp setup we did notice a smoother, more clear sound from the nicer wire.
now i know companies like MIT or Kimber sell wire upwards of $10k for 1m, but with the Audioquest wire im using at $20/ft i did notice a difference over "cheap" Monster 12 gauge wire.
i guess if youre spending $30k+ on speakers then you dont want home depot speaker wire connecting your equipment.....but for my $2000 speakers, my wire is more than enough.

 

[jimmydean]

I've always had a tough time buying that. Definitely want to go with reasonable quality, large gauge wire... but I don't really buy into the high quality speaker wire thing.

I worked on serious IASCA show systems back in the day (88-90) and there was a difference between Monster cable speaker wire and Radio Shack, but even the Radio Shack 14AWG is pretty good for everyday Joe's.

I have a ton of huge ass 12AWG Monster speaker wire I used for my towers. But I didn't buy it for that.

 

[IH8Rice]

hearing SQ difference in cars compared to towers or bookshelfs in a home is a huge difference.