Monster Cable THX-Certified Fiber Optic Digital Interconnect Cable (4 Feet)
by Monster Cable
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Monster Cable THX-Certified Fiber Optic Digital Interconnect Cable (4 Feet)
Customer Review: Works exactly as expected, with that satisfying click when inserted
Summary: 4 Stars
While I don't buy into the marketing hype that is associated with high-end cables, I do believe in buying decent cables that have decent connectors. On the flip-side, I also don't believe in buying the lowest-priced stuff, thinking that "digital is digital" and nothing can impact the quality of a digital signal.
There are differences in cables in their construction and in the connectors used. I've pulled RCA audio cables right out of their cheap connectors simply because the gauge of wire and the strain relief on the connector used wasn't strong enough to handle the strain of inserting and removing the cable more than a few times.
Monster has become the whipping-boy of those who would rail against over-priced cables, so some would dismiss this cable just because of that. Admittedly, I find no reason to pay $100 for a 2M cable of any variety, so Monster must assume some responsibility for how it markets such high priced products.
However, Monster also makes decently-constructed and decently-priced products that don't cost a lot of money, but perform the way you expect a decent cable to perform. The key is to find these products and stay away from the hypo-allergenic, oxygen-free, temperature-compensated high end stuff that does more to separate you from your money than to deliver real-world performance.
That's where cables like these fall. It's a basic, short optical cable that just needs to stay in the connector on each end and deliver the digital signal from one end to the other reliably.
When you insert the connector, it provides that satisfying click that tells you it's inserted, and it won't fall out on its own. While I don't have the equipment to judge the quality of the digital audio signal going in vs. coming out, I have confidence in Monster not to use materials that would cause such problems (yes, optical fiber can and does leak light into its surrounding material, which can diminish the amount of signal that makes it to the other end, and can diffuse the light, which can cause errors in the data), and I've never experienced any problems with the lower-end Monster cables I've purchased over the years.
While it may be tempting to go for the $1.49 optical cable instead of something like this, I don't think that $20 is too much to pay for something that is going to work, and something that will last without trouble down the line. Don't overpay, but don't be cheap, either.
Customer Review: Monster Standard... Why them???
Summary: 5 Stars
What exactly is a fiber optic cable? It transports sound using a digital signal. In fiber optics, light is used to transport this digital data. The digital signal is made up of 1 and 0. 1 being light, 0 being no light.
I recommend using the Monster Standard Cables and always will. I actually did try different cables unlike most people who talk about the cables all being the same.
So how should I decide between buying a "high end" fiber optic cable and an ok one. Well, the fact that it is triple the cost of this cable kind of gets me. I purchased a top of the line, Monster Cable THX Ultra 1000, that was really expensive. The Ultra 1000 is more durable, and uses higher quality materials that transport the light more efficently. Yea it did sound slightly better. But if you plan on using it for a CD player or a cheaper surround sound system, you won't need the really expensive stuff. This does perfectly well. But even for me, I ended up returing the Ultra 1000. Why you ask? The quality didn't meet the price. Its not worth it unless you plan on building a top of the line home theater that you plan to use every day. For most people, this cable will be more than enough of an improvement that they'll notice the difference and be happy enough.
You should keep in mind that when you use surround sound, that in order to actually achieve the full 5.1 surround sound that you should use digital fiber optic cables for all the sound inputs that you can use it for. (CD players and video cassettes don't have 5.1, most only have 2.0/1.0 respectively)
Overall, I gave this Monster Standard cable a 5 because there is no 4.90.
Notes for new users of these cables:
- Make sure your DVD player or Cable/Satallite reciever has the fiber optic output, as a lot of the cheaper ones don't.
- Pull off the plastic protective coverings on each end of the fiber optic cables. These are there to protect the cable during transit/storage.
- Be careful not to bend the cables around too much or strtch them to meet the distance you want them to reach. Buy a longer one if you need to.
- If the black coating on the cable gets striped a bit, consider buying a new cable, as the damage allows light to seep out, thus, distoring the quiality.
© 2005 - David Chen - All Right's Reserved
Customer Review: Truly amazing for the price
Summary: 5 Stars
I have a very good Yamaha surround sound system that cost me $500 about two years ago. It is an amazing system and I have always been pleased with the sound coming from it. Although, I was always curious about the quality being better because I was using a standard red and white audio cable to connect the TV's audio out to the surround system's audio in. A friend told me about using a fiberoptic cable and after seeing this one for around $15, I figured "what have I got to lose?" This was the best $15 investment I have ever made. As soon as I switched cables I heard an immediate difference. This is a must have for anyone who is looking for a great addition to their current home theater system.Customer Review: Monster Optic cable
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought a surround system that actually came with an OPTIC CABLE which is almost unheard of today. I never really believed in better cable = better sound, i always thought they were all the same but believe me... THE MONSTER ones had a noticeable difference, its much clearer, crisper than the ones that came with my system. For this price this cable can't be beat. I rather use another couple bucks to get a quality cable over radioshacks or any other generic cable
This monster certified thx cable is worth the money...
Buyers beware of your setup though as 4 feet can be pretty short, i had to rearrange my setup due to this
Customer Review: Great Cable
Summary: 5 Stars
It may be true that optical cables all provide the same quality but not everyone that buys Monster optical cables will try refuting this. I buy Monster in general because of the durability as well as the quality, but in optical's case I bought this cable knowing that it should last as long as my equipment will. And for $20, that's not a bad investment. I have to admit though that I bought an Arista Fiber Optic cable which is just as good, four times the length and cheaper, but how long it will hold up against all the foot-traffic, I don't know. For the price I think either are fair.