XScargo - monster cables

[commie]

Not sure if it has been posted..but just saw the newspaper ad for XScargo..

They have Monster 3' or 6' a/v cables & s-video cables for $19.99..

Although Monster cables are well over-priced regularly...

thats not a bad price....

[Moot]

www.monoprice.com

[newfbc]

www.monoprice.com


Hmm.. searched. Can't find any Monster cables on that site.

Ron.

[adcench]

Hmm.. searched. Can't find any Monster cables on that site.

Ron.

hahahaha

[singhaman]

hahahaha

mmm Dont see the humor... :|

[$uperman]

i think what he meant by posting the link is

Fu*k monstrer, get a cable from there cheap.. it will be the same :)

[gprime]

I can vouch for monoprice. They are actually very decent cables at rediculously low prices. Ever cable I've ever gotten was shipped duty free too.

[willy]

I can only find this for C$19.99 ... All other Monsters are > C$19.99 ...

http://www.xscargo.com/product.php?dept=Electronics%20Accessor&cat=Audio%20/%20Video&index=18&item=17666

http://www.xscargo.com/images/products/big/17666.jpg

[ViperZ]

Nice cables... although they used to have much better deal on (same quality) AR (Acoustic Research) component / s-video / optical / coaxial / stereo cables.

[willy]

Nice cables... although they used to have much better deal on (same quality) AR (Acoustic Research) component / s-video / optical / coaxial / stereo cables.
Yeap, my AR component cable was C$9.99 only .. also at XS .. http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=158305

[Jon Lai]

i think what he meant by posting the link is

Fu*k monstrer, get a cable from there cheap.. it will be the same :)

Yea man. Who gives a crap about Monster.

[Capitola]

I can vouch for monoprice. They are actually very decent cables at rediculously low prices. Ever cable I've ever gotten was shipped duty free too.

May I ask you the total amount of your purchase and the shipping method on the orders you received duty free? How about taxes? Thanks!

[coolspot]

May I ask you the total amount of your purchase and the shipping method on the orders you received duty free? How about taxes? Thanks!


Shipping is only ~3 - 5.00. Monoprice is VERY reasonable. They also ship via USPS so there are no taxes.

I noticed they undervalue packages - so customs shouldn't be an issue. If your package is stopped - it's 5.00 - 7.00 Canada Post processing fee + 15% GST + PST.

[Capitola]

Shipping is only ~3 - 5.00. Monoprice is VERY reasonable. They also ship via USPS so there are no taxes.

I noticed they undervalue packages - so customs shouldn't be an issue. If your package is stopped - it's 5.00 - 7.00 Canada Post processing fee + 15% GST + PST.

Thanks for the info. If only I knew about this company earlier.....

[c001m4n]

I heard AR cables are quite decent. I would rather get a no brand cable from monoprice than get a monster cable. Personally I would just build them myself.

[jackboot]

Every time monster comes up I say the same thing:

Boycott Monster Cable...what an awful company...

Monster Cable Sucks (http://www.monstergreed.com/Index%20with%20info%20about%20MC.htm)

Monoprice on the other hand, rules. Cheap cables - good quality - accommodating to Canadians:)

[ViperZ]

Just wonder why you people hate Monster so much? They make good cables - the website that is posted above has no facts whatsoever. If I find reasonably priced monster or any other brand cables, I go research them (specs, performance, etc.) and only then buy them. This way, you don't get screwed. Yes, it is a brand name, but it is usually the store that makes crapload of money on that cable, and I am sorry about poor suckers who pay full price for that.

[Jordan Lee]

I can totally vouch for monoprice, they're great. I got a 3ft HDMI cable for around 10-15 US, I cant remember what is was. :confused:

[Jaytee]

Just wonder why you people hate Monster so much? They make good cables

I agree. Monster is definitely overpriced and are a rip off at MSRP, but their cables are not crap.

For digital connections like coax, hdmi or optical, it doesnt matter, get the cheapest cable you can find unless you running long distances. Also for a crappy composite connection, get the cheapest crap you can find.

But for a component analog connection, you want to get a very good quality cable and if you can a very good price on Monster Cable like off Ebay then they are worth it.

I got these cables:

Monster Xbox Component (cheap off Ebay)
Monster Xbox Optical
Ultralink Matrix Component
Accoustic Research Optical
Accoustic Research S-Video
No name HDMI DVI

[guest3721]

I picked up a 6' AR S-Video cable for $8.99 at Princess Auto on the weekend. Very solid cable, nice and thick.

[krazykanuck]

I can totally vouch for monoprice, they're great. I got a 3ft HDMI cable for around 10-15 US, I cant remember what is was. :confused:


Me too. I've picked up VGA, HDMI, Component, and multiple convertors (DVI-> HDMI) from them and there prices are great. I happened to be in San Fran. at the time of my order and for 50cents more I got next day shipping! :lol:

[D.NGUYEN]

Saw a basic Monster Power bar for 19.99 also.

Although expensive, they are indeed awesome. What i think is that it depends on the person, some people can see the difference with better cables, some can't. I personally couldn't stand Monster THX standard components (44.99) and had to switch up to Monster Video 3 components (139.99) and I can tell the difference. Although AR makes good products, to me they can't compare to higher end monster cables (perhaps to Monster THX standards) then it is but to the higher end monster, I can see the difference. Also, monster has some patented technologies that allow them to give better connections and reduce interference, to me AR is cheap quality, i have a fibre optics cable from them and it's not great (only reason I bought it was because it gave me the Toslink to mini adapter).

I went to a Toshiba conference where they introduced the new HDDVD players, and I asked about the quality of the HDMI cable that was included in the box, answer was that it isn't very good and buying a better one would improve quality/transfer..etc...etc specifically mentioning monster. I don't think Toshiba actually really cares if you buy them or not but the hosts did mention it.

[juched]

For digital connections like coax, hdmi or optical, it doesnt matter, get the cheapest cable you can find unless you running long distances. Also for a crappy composite connection, get the cheapest crap you can find.


Thank you. I have said the same so many times. Digital is either the 1's and 0's get through, or they don't. Signal degradation? I don't think so.

I understand for analog signals though.

[ViperZ]

THX? THX is just the certification to meet standards set by LucasFilms. Some companies just pay some fee to Lucas to get that label on their receiver. That's all.

There is nothing special about THX, absolutely nothing - no add-ons or extra decoders/encoders in the receivers (vs. DD or DTS encoding, as an example).

[ian1386]

Also, monster has some patented technologies that allow them to give better connections and reduce interference, to me AR is cheap quality, i have a fibre optics cable from them and it's not great (only reason I bought it was because it gave me the Toslink to mini adapter).


Patented technologies? I can get a patent for a brain itcher that you use by inserting it up your nose, but it doesn't mean it's useful.

I would say about 80% of companies that advertise "patented technologies" are all about smoke and mirrors.

I've tried the whole line up of high end monster vs other good quality cables, and monster is not worth it by a long shot. If you compare monster cables to other cables that cost the same price, monster is blown out of the water.

And you also mentioned cheap digital cables....well...digital cables don't really matter. it's all 1s ans 0s, it either gets there, or it doesn't.

[dvdvideo]

For digital connections like coax, hdmi or optical, it doesnt matter, get the cheapest cable you can find unless you running long distances. Also for a crappy composite connection, get the cheapest crap you can find.

This is true for coax and optical, but not off hdmi. Unlike the two audio formats, it has built in error correction that if the signal degrades, the decoder in the tv is actually guessing a certian percentage of the signal which is definately a bad thing.

[Sejad]

Yeah we just got these in, there is like 6 maybe even more different one's I hate those boxes so heavy.

[Aske001]

The XS Cargo in Richmond BC has had premium audio and video cables from RCA in stock for some time, cheaper than the Monster cables, seem to be good quality. But to get real about this, I've tried comparing cheap and expensive cables before in several audio and video applications, and in my opinion there's no detectable difference as long as the equipment is operating within normal parameters (cable length, EMI environment etc). If Monster cable makes you feel better about yourself, by all means go ahead and spend a silly amount of money. :)

[jackboot]

Just wonder why you people hate Monster so much? They make good cables - the website that is posted above has no facts whatsoever. If I find reasonably priced monster or any other brand cables, I go research them (specs, performance, etc.) and only then buy them. This way, you don't get screwed. Yes, it is a brand name, but it is usually the store that makes crapload of money on that cable, and I am sorry about poor suckers who pay full price for that.

The site referenced has no facts whatsoever? Did you even read the page?

My complaint isn't so much to do with Monster's *cables* - it is their business practices - spending millions and millions on suing small and very small businesses, putting many out of businesses and ruining their livelihoods is complete and utter crap. They should be ashamed of themselves.

Further, if you believe their cables are truly good quality per dollar, I believe you are an unfortunate victim of the shat that is spout from the mouth-breather puppets that work at big box stores and only push Monster products because of the huge commissions involved. I'll take the advice of the enthusiasts at AVSforums, DIYAudio, etc over a Anime-obsessed teen regurgitating his training manual from an overpriced electronics retailer any day.

[ViperZ]

jackboot, this makes me wonder back to you if you have read what I wrote...

I said that I'd pay for Monster Cable when I find a good deal on the cable, not full price. And these cables are not shite by any means.

Also, the website that was mentioned is written by Monster cable hater without clear good comparisons. There are many many sites which give objective reviews, and I would not consider this site being objective or giving enough data for proof by a mile.

[boonjaca]

Ok, seeing how there's such a heated debate over whether the quality of monster cables are better than the cheaper ones, can anyone provide sites that you go on with reviews.

[joe friday]

Another vote for Monoprice....bought all of my cables to make the switch to HD, as well as additional cables for various other needs....great products, great customer service, great prices, very fast shipping. What more could anyone want?

[laterscooter]

Just found Monoprice the other day and placed order for HDMI cables. Order should be arriving either today or tomorrow. Good to hear people are happy with their cables. Awesome prices :!: especially when comparing with Monster.

[zod]

I just ordered some cables from monoprice as well, a pair of 6ft svideo cables and a 6ft component rca cable.

I've got a radio shack component cable right now (not used for HD, but my 27 inch tv only has one svid input and one component on the back), so the dvd player uses componenet, but the radio shack cables don't seem to be that well insulated as i get a little bit of interference.

be nice to try thse ones, didn't wanna to shell out of monster cables, didn't really feel they were worth the price. Ordered a an IDE card for my computer for 12 bux too, so now i can plug in some older hard drives i ran out of room for.

woo!

[guanghot]

If you order from Monoprice, remember to check your credit card bill. Monoprice will charge you the converted Canadian dollar amount, instead of US dollar amount. However, your credit card company may mistakenly converted it again, so you end up paying double the exchange rate. It happened to my american express order, I called the credit card company and got it corrected.

And, Yes, Monoprice undervalue the package, so there is no tax or duty when shipping to Canada.

[flame02]

i think what he meant by posting the link is

Fu*k monstrer, get a cable from there cheap.. it will be the same :)

I guess you are the type of person to say "Mercedes .. pfft .. get a KIA, a car is a car!"

[guanghot]

I guess you are the type of person to say "Mercedes .. pfft .. get a KIA, a car is a car!"

Well, I doubt that you can feel the same difference of a Monster cable vs Monoprice cable than a Mercedes vs KIA. This is all about knowledge and marketing. Unless you "overspeed" or "overclock" your cable, which I have no idea how to do. There is no point spending the extra money. :lol:

[Madcatmk2]

I ordered some IDE and SATA cables at monoprice and they shipped it forty minutes later!
Wait for a while before sending your order.

[flame02]

Well, I doubt that you can feel the same difference of a Monster cable vs Monoprice cable than a Mercedes vs KIA. This is all about knowledge and marketing. Unless you "overspeed" or "overclock" your cable, which I have no idea how to do. There is no point spending the extra money. :lol:

Tru, but to say there is no difference vs either cable, thats a lie. Minimal difference depending on the application yes, but a difference none the less. There may be no differnce on a smaller tv or basic setup, but if you have a big screen HD TV ... you can see the difference. For audiophiles, you can hear the difference.

[joe friday]

Tru, but to say there is no difference vs either cable, thats a lie. Minimal difference depending on the application yes, but a difference none the less. There may be no differnce on a smaller tv or basic setup, but if you have a big screen HD TV ... you can see the difference. For audiophiles, you can hear the difference.

I'm curious, and no offence intended, but have you tried the monoprice cables? I purchased their higher quality DVI cable to use with my HD big screen TV and I doubt that you could see a difference between it and a monster cable. I think it cost something like $15 for a 10 foot cable.

[flame02]

I'm curious, and no offence intended, but have you tried the monoprice cables? I purchased their higher quality DVI cable to use with my HD big screen TV and I doubt that you could see a difference between it and a monster cable. I think it cost something like $15 for a 10 foot cable.

ok your talking digital, i agree digital makes the least difference when comparing cable. Im talking about anything analog.

[ViperZ]

You people are funny... "digital is just 1's and 0's". Ever heard about frequency and bandwidth? For HD, you need high bandwidth cable that goes up to around 3GHz frequency.
Shielding, type of conductor, type of insulation - everything is important in high frequency applications, not just "1s and 0s". LMAO

[ian1386]

For audiophiles, you can hear the difference.

Audiophiles CAN hear the difference between cables, but I have NEVER seen an audiophile recommend monster cables. I've seen a few audiophiles use high-end monster power conditioning, but NEVER audio/speaker cables.

People are arguing that monster cables are great cables, which they are. But what they are ignoring is that compared to cables costing the same price, they get blown out of the water. Also...what guage are monster cables? How many strands are in them? Who knows!...monster doesn't say.

I haven't checked out that site that most people are mentioning, but another site that sells AMAZING cables at decent prices is www.bluejeanscable.com. Any cable from this site will put monster cables to shame.

[Glacier]

You people are funny... "digital is just 1's and 0's". Ever heard about frequency and bandwidth? For HD, you need high bandwidth cable that goes up to around 3GHz frequency.
Shielding, type of conductor, type of insulation - everything is important in high frequency applications, not just "1s and 0s". LMAO

How pathetic... monster deserves a market share because of ppl like you... I just hope that share is not too big.

[ian1386]

You people are funny... "digital is just 1's and 0's". Ever heard about frequency and bandwidth? For HD, you need high bandwidth cable that goes up to around 3GHz frequency.
Shielding, type of conductor, type of insulation - everything is important in high frequency applications, not just "1s and 0s". LMAO

Yes, bandwidth can be an issue, but usually only matters in longer cable runs. Anything less than 10ft is pretty much 'meh'.

For example, computer monitors use much higher resolutions than HDTVs (apple 30" is 2560x1600 compared to the highest HD res which is 1920x1080, so the apple display is about twice the resolution). Do you think that computer monitors use $500 'monster cables'? Nope.

Although the best example of snake oil I've ever seen was gold plated optical cables..........?

[flame02]

Audiophiles CAN hear the difference between cables, but I have NEVER seen an audiophile recommend monster cables. I've seen a few audiophiles use high-end monster power conditioning, but NEVER audio/speaker cables.

Just because an audiophile has never recommended them to you does not make it so. Alot of audiophiles i know use monster because of the clarity they prodice, whether it be digital audio cables, speaker wires or power conditioners (which also improve image quality).

How pathetic... monster deserves a market share because of ppl like you... I just hope that share is not too big.

That is the single most incompetent statement so far. We are talking about quality of these cables, and to get this quality there is a price. Clearly everyone has the option to get cheaper cables, no ones forcing you to buy monster. CLEARLY they have a HUGE market share for people that want the best. The people that buy food at Dominion vs. Price Chopper, or the people that us premium gasoline vs. regular if all they require is regular.

Yes, bandwidth can be an issue, but usually only matters in longer cable runs. Anything less than 10ft is pretty much 'meh'.

For example, computer monitors use much higher resolutions than HDTVs (apple 30" is 2560x1600 compared to the highest HD res which is 1920x1080, so the apple display is about twice the resolution). Do you think that computer monitors use $500 'monster cables'? Nope.

Although the best example of snake oil I've ever seen was gold plated optical cables..........?

agreed, but as i mensioned before, digital has the least interfearance when it comes to cabling in short lengths. Analog cables like s-video, component or composite make a big difference (well in my eyes, because i deal with image quality all the time).

and yes gold plated optical is the stupidest idea for a marketing gimmick

[ian1386]

Just because an audiophile has never recommended them to you does not make it so. Alot of audiophiles i know use monster because of the clarity they prodice, whether it be digital audio cables, speaker wires or power conditioners (which also improve image quality).

What I meant by this was that I don't know any audiophiles that use monster cables...as anybody that is an "audiophile" wants the best that their money can buy, and spends LOTS of time to find it...and monster is never it (Except for the exception of only their high end power conditioners).

If by audiophile you mean "somebody that buys the most expensive things since it MUST be the best", well then yes...you are right. Are they touting Bose setups too? :lol:


agreed, but as i mensioned before, digital has the least interfearance when it comes to cabling in short lengths. Analog cables like s-video, component or composite make a big difference (well in my eyes, because i deal with image quality all the time).


I wasn't arguing with you on this one...just the other guy that said everyone is crazy for saying "it's just 1s and 0s".

I read an artical a while ago where a guy watched a complete DTS:ES movie without ANY problems (LOTR I think) using a bent coat hanger as his digital coaxial cable. Of course I wouldn't recommend this, it's just an example of the 1s and 0s argument.

[syphen]

There's probably also crazy error correction at the receiving end of the digital signal. It would be crazy not to have any - unless they're really cheaping out.

And if I'm not mistaken, they use differential signals for HDMI so technically, it's 1's and -1's (to create a signal less prone to interference).

[ian1386]

And if I'm not mistaken, they use differential signals for HDMI so technically, it's 1's and -1's (to create a signal less prone to interference).

virtually nothing uses actual 1s and 0s, they just use two distinct states to mean either "on" or "off". This usually means toggling between two different voltages...commonly either 0v and some non-zero positive/negative voltage, or like you said, a negative and positive voltage.

[tienm23]

Wow so much anger over cables...

[joe friday]

Wow so much anger over cables...

Anger? I just see people expressing their opinions over something that they feel passionate about. Nothing wrong with that....helps people less knowledgeable in this area (like me) learn something.

[theSPOOLER]

I've worked on Avid systems, and the offical Avid cables would make anyone wasting money on high end cables cry. The content creators are not using anything close to what you see in the expensive cables you see in the consumer industry, why are you?

Feel free to tell me it doesn't represent the broadcast industry in general, I know someone will...

[jshebib]

i was at XS in Ottawa (Merivale) tonight and they have a truckload of monster cables. still overpriced if you ask me. they have a bunch of RCA ones that look just as good and are cheaper

also had one or two Pioneer DVD recorders at $139 (i think) --- was going to get one but my wife would kill me