Monster Cable Jargon Hooplah

wald0

I'm waiting for my Monitor 10's to come but I need to order some decent cable for them. I think you have to work in a stereo store to understand the ideology of Monster cables. Yes they are great, but what is the difference between the Monster Lock Master Pin connectors and the Bananas, and which will I want for my Monitor 10's? The pictures for both are the same. Monster says they only sell them here:

http://www.shopallmonster.com/nav/monster/productdetails.aspx?pin=37&pid=21895

This site says I need "Monster Lock Tips" for the "Monster Lock Master Pins" (phew) I would assume that the Master tips would be ready to plug in if they come as a pre-made 10 footer? That's not what it seems like though. Do I have to buy a tip adapter by default just to use a $74 pair of connectors? That would be some **** if you ask me.

Sorry about all the rambling but I barely understand this stuff, never looked at a MOnster Cable that close. But they sure sound sweet.

Systems

wald0 wrote: »

I think you have to work in a stereo store to understand the ideology of Monster cables.

Actually there is a very good understanding of their ideology around these parts.

Yes they are great

My guess is that many here will disagree with this statement.:)

I have my popcorn at the ready.:D

wald0

GV#27 wrote: »

Actually there is a very good understanding of their ideology around these parts.My guess is that many here will disagree with this statement.:)

I have my popcorn at the ready.:D

So some think they aren't great? Spit your brains people. What kind of speaker cables should I buy for my Monitor 10's? Go.

Systems

wald0 wrote: »

So some think they aren't great?

Yes I think there will be a few subsequent posts indicating thusly.

bobman1235

Search the forum for Monster Cable, you'll find plenty of opinions.

The most diplomatic thing I can say is you can find better cables cheaper.

LessisNevermore

wald0 wrote: »

So some think they aren't great? Spit your brains people. What kind of speaker cables should I buy for my Monitor 10's? Go.

I can only relay my own experience with Monster's "fine products".

I thought I was going to have to return my new amp for repairs, due to it frequently going into protection mode. As a last-ditch effort to avoid repair, I pulled and replaced the Monster IC's with cheapo, throwaways. BINGO.

No more protection mode. As a result, I have new IC's on order from Monoprice, and have cut up the Monsters. I was amazed how the quality ceased under the jacketing, the insides were pathetic.

Fantastic marketing though....

SEH

wald0 wrote: »

I'm waiting for my Monitor 10's to come but I need to order some decent cable for them. I think you have to work in a stereo store to understand the ideology of Monster cables. Yes they are great, but what is the difference between the Monster Lock Master Pin connectors and the Bananas, and which will I want for my Monitor 10's?

The master pin is a sort of base termination that you can connect their brand of tips (bananas, spades, whatever) to, or use as a pin connector. There are other cable manufacturers that do something similar to this. It allows you to switch the ends without having to tear up the termination and re-solder things. If you know you're always going to use bananas, then just get the regular banana connectors.

Of course, you won't want Monster now anyway.

wald0

SEH wrote: »

The master pin is a sort of base termination that you can connect their brand of tips (bananas, spades, whatever) to, or use as a pin connector. There are other cable manufacturers that do something similar to this. It allows you to switch the ends without having to tear up the termination and re-solder things. If you know you're always going to use bananas, then just get the regular banana connectors.

Of course, you won't want Monster now anyway.

I think it is for people for whom money is no object. I'm sure they are the best granted cost isn't a factor?

ben62670

~M~ sucks. You can do way better.

comfortablycurt

wald0 wrote: »

I think it is for people for whom money is no object. I'm sure they are the best granted cost isn't a factor?

No...Monster is the kind of company that relies on consumer blindness basically. They throw a bunch of technical terms and "reasons" for why you need all the features that are in their cables...and they're really overcharging you for something that you don't need.

I've used several Monster interconnects that I paid around 50 bucks for...and I now use a Blue Jeans Cable interconnect that cost me about 30 bucks...and it blows the Monster's out of the water. Monsters are for audiophiles with to much money that want a brand name.

You'd be better off going to bluejeans cable or monoprice.

Also, that Monster connector/adaptor thing isn't even really that great by concept. Just by using a connector you're creating a gap in the signal flow. With these connectors there are two gaps in the signal flow now. Never used them personally, but it doesn't really sound like a good idea by concept unless you're switching connector types frequently. I'd just get some regular banana's..something besides Monster brand. GLS is a pretty highly recommended brand.

wald0

Looked up both. Monoprice has good prices but they look almost too basic. They look good but is it possible that NONE of the features that Monster advertises are necessary? Might as well use lamp cord. I'm kidding. But I looked at Blue Jeans too the twisted 14-guage look promising. I might check them out.

wald0

But seriously though about the Mono's I think they look like some bomb cords, I just think that having some kind of protection from outter noise would be good, even if it might not be a big deal to most ppl. For only a buck a foot and I only need about 20 total, might as well.

shack

There are no monster cables in any of my rigs. Never will be. They are a step above the patch cords that the mfgs give you free when you buy a DVD or CD player (but just barely).

www.signalcable.com or www.audioquest.com.

wald0

shack wrote: »

There are no monster cables in any of my rigs. Never will be. They are a step above the patch cords that the mfgs give you free when you buy a DVD or CD player (but just barely).

www.signalcable.com or www.audioquest.com.

I'm sure those are better than Monster, but how is that any different? The Audioquest stuff is even more expensive. I don't think I'm gonna spend more for my connects than for my speakers. What's people's thoughts on Blue Jeans and do you only buy them for lack of more money?

I personally buy them because they are comfortable and they keep my legs warm.

gdb

Check the "for sale" page/thread in the "flea market" section! Great deals from Club Polk members on cables that come (usually) already burned in and with honest reviews from the seller and other users/owners.;)
http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=76257
http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?p=980822#post980822
^^^^^Click these links^^^^^:)

shack

wald0 wrote: »

I'm sure those are better than Monster, but how is that any different? The Audioquest stuff is even more expensive. I don't think I'm gonna spend more for my connects than for my speakers. What's people's thoughts on Blue Jeans and do you only buy them for lack of more money?

I personally buy them because they are comfortable and they keep my legs warm.

There are countless threads on this forum discussing the various attributes or lack there of (depending on the poster) of various cables. There is no definative "right" answer or solution. Spend some time using the search function and you will be able to find information about all of the cables mentioned so far in this thead and many, many more.

wald0

shack wrote: »

There are countless threads on this forum discussing the various attributes or lack there of (depending on the poster) of various cables. There is no definative "right" answer or solution. Spend some time using the search function and you will be able to find information about all of the cables mentioned so far in this thead and many, many more.

Right on

comfortablycurt

wald0 wrote: »

Looked up both. Monoprice has good prices but they look almost too basic. They look good but is it possible that NONE of the features that Monster advertises are necessary? Might as well use lamp cord. I'm kidding. But I looked at Blue Jeans too the twisted 14-guage look promising. I might check them out.

It doesn't matter how basic it looks...it's how it performs that matters. Monster Cables have cool looking stylish connectors and things like that, to give you the illusion that it's worth all the money you just wasted on it. Really though...how much time do you spend looking at your connectors? Doesn't really matter how "stylish" they are.

As a few other people have said...this topic has been discussed to death on here. You should be able to find all of the info you need using the search function. Monster Cable isn't used by anyone who is actually serious about their sound though. They aren't "the best" by any means at all. You can get a much higher quality cable for less money through other companies.

Monster can be likened to Bose...they advertise and market their products like crazy, and they put a lot of focus on making them aesthetically pleasing. That's the only reason they sell the way they do. Go to any professional radio station or recording studio and look at the cables they're using. They aren't monster cables...just regular old cables like you see at bluejeans or monoprice.

wingnut4772

Monster Cables are fine/ Just overpriced. IMO the most important thing to look for is gauge. It's been my experience that size matters.;)

wald0

Keiko wrote: »

Are we talkin' cables or Bowflex?

Poor humor...Carry on.

That's my style... slip in a joke whenever humanly possible :cool:

Motzart

AGREE 100%!!

Keiko wrote: »

My advice, if you see a Monster, run like hell. Dollar per dollar, there's better cables than Monster. In some cases, less. MonoPrice has a great offering for inexpensive cable. If you want better, go with the AudioQuest, Signal or Blue Jean's offerings that have been mentioned.

Just a good quote from another forum I was reading when I had the same question.
Made perfect sense!

"No reason to buy over priced cables. My rule of thumb is to spend 10% of the purchase price of the object being connected. If your Av receiver cost 500 then 50 dollars worth of speaker wire.
You will receive hundreds of recomendations for cabling. Keep within YOUR budget. All the testamonials in the world will not make a 150 dollar DVD player produce a picture comparable to a 1000 dollar one by using 200 dollars worth of wire."

Fongolio

For at least the first six months I was on this forum I was using monstor cable for speaker wire and interconnects. I bought them dirt cheap at a local high volume liquidator. They were ok, not great but not bad. I've since replaced most of them (the surrounds still run on MC wire). Anyway, point is that I had Monster Cable interconnects on my signature up until maybe 6-8 months ago and not one of the old timers flamed me or teased me or got in my face about it. But then I didn't brag the MC's up either. I just want to say thankyou for not pointing out my ignorance toward these IC's and speaker cables. Almost brings a tear to my eye thinking of how kindly I was treated.

SEH

comfortablycurt wrote: »

Also, that Monster connector/adaptor thing isn't even really that great by concept. Just by using a connector you're creating a gap in the signal flow. With these connectors there are two gaps in the signal flow now.

A gap in the signal flow? I think two pieces of conductive metal with enough surface area in contact should be the same as one solid piece of metal as far as the electrons know.

The concept behind these modular connectors is not novel.

http://www.mitcables.com/?option=com_virtuemart&page=shop.browse&category_id=18&Itemid=29


You wouldn't be saying it's a bad concept just because you associate it with Monster, would you? Because that would be just another form of consumer blindness.

Wald0, there's nothing special about Monster wire. They don't own their own copper mills or wire pulling factories. They put fancy looking jacketing and connectors on basic wire you could get straight out of any decent electronics catalog for a fraction of the price. What they charge for their product bears no relation to the cost of making it - it is what their marketing research has found people will pay, no more or less. They throw a lot of technobabble around that their marketing department thought up - stuff that you will never find in any industry engineering publication, because it's complete and utter BS. They rely on lots of customer testimonials about the quality of their product, rather than any kind of controlled testing by third parties. In these respects, they're a lot like almost EVERY OTHER audio wire manufacturer.

But I think their true sin, what really gets them hated, is that they're so damn successful at it. People who know nothing about audio know the brand name Monster thanks to relentless advertising and savvy product placement. They truly are the Bose of cables.

reeltrouble1

Fongolio wrote: »

For at least the first six months I was on this forum I was using monstor cable for speaker wire and interconnects. I bought them dirt cheap at a local high volume liquidator. They were ok, not great but not bad. I've since replaced most of them (the surrounds still run on MC wire). Anyway, point is that I had Monster Cable interconnects on my signature up until maybe 6-8 months ago and not one of the old timers flamed me or teased me or got in my face about it. But then I didn't brag the MC's up either. I just want to say thankyou for not pointing out my ignorance toward these IC's and speaker cables. Almost brings a tear to my eye thinking of how kindly I was treated.

Naw, we just made jokes about your living in Canada...........:D

RT1

gdb

Another reason to boycott "M" corp. products is that they are bullies and file lawsuits against anyone and everyone with no merit or basis for doing it! If all else was equal ie. price & quality, I'd still buy from another manufacturer just on moral grounds alone. I do have some "grey market" M interconnects that I got dirt cheap on ebay, they're OK and....my buying them DIDN'T put any money into M's pocket. Click link below to get some idea of what kinda crap M tried to pull on BJCable:eek:
http://www.bluejeanscable.com/legal/mcp/index.htm

suprafantx

wingnut4772 wrote: »

Monster Cables are fine/ Just overpriced. IMO the most important thing to look for is gauge. It's been my experience that size matters.;)

Should I buy Monster cables if I can get them with 75% discount?

comfortablycurt

SEH wrote: »

A gap in the signal flow? I think two pieces of conductive metal with enough surface area in contact should be the same as one solid piece of metal as far as the electrons know.

The concept behind these modular connectors is not novel.

http://www.mitcables.com/?option=com_virtuemart&page=shop.browse&category_id=18&Itemid=29


You wouldn't be saying it's a bad concept just because you associate it with Monster, would you? Because that would be just another form of consumer blindness.

No...I'm not just saying that because it's Monster brand. I've seen the same style connectors from other retailers...and it still seems like a bad design by concept to me. Even if there is lot of surface area creating the connection, it still isn't going to be as good as one solid piece conducting the signal.

The only situation I would ever want to buy those, would be if I had to change connector styles all the time...which I don't foresee ever having to do really. I wouldn't buy those from any company personally. To each their own though.

Montoya

I bought some M-series monster wires off of the bay and they are in my opinion put together very well and for the price I paid they are very very good. My main rig has all audioquest wire and I don't plan on buying anymore monster products but in my opinion the quality is good the power conditioners are really nice, the amps, and speakers they have. If they are bought gray market they are a good buy but full retail is a rip off. I think if the buisness practices had not been what they are today I would be a customer for some of the items they carry but I hate corporate bullies.

suprafantx wrote: »

Should I buy Monster cables if I can get them with 75% discount?

AndyGwis

Monster is okay if you get it 80% off. I have used and like some of their cables, but never paid retail.

I think I got some subwoofer cables from them for $3 + $15 shipping (ebay). Actually a very nice, long, thick cable for $18 shipped. Only problem is that it retails for $100 which is what most people end up paying for it at BestBuy. Probably worth something in the middle for most people.

I like Signalcable.com and Bluejeans.com cables for the price. If you hang around here and Audiogon long enough and know what you're looking for, you can find much better for good prices (MIT, Audioquest, too many others to name).

asd1234

Just go to Home Dept. and get some cables there. It will save you $ and get better quality.

ben62670

asd1234 wrote: »

Just go to Home Dept. and get some cables there. It will save you $ and get better quality.

What their speaker wire that turns green with age? Crap RCA's? If you want to go real cheap with speaker wire WalMart has decent 14ga wire in the Automotive department. Not the stuff in electronics.