Component Cable brand suggestions? (multiple Newbie questions)

[DarkGeno21]

Hey everybody, great site, I've been trying to read up as much as I can but there's so much to read and so little time.

I just recently ordered my first HDTV set, the Sony KDF-42WE655, and I want to know what are the best component cables to buy and where I should buy them. Obviously I would like to save as much cash as possible so I turn to you good people for your expertise.

Also, I plan to connect all three of my game systems (ps2, xbox, and gamecube) to my set as well. Should I stick with their respective first party component cables or are third party (Monster, etc) better? Also, the official xbox component connector is a "pack" seen here: http://www.xbox.com/en-us/hardware/highdefinitionavpack.htm

should I buy this pack and the separate cables or just buy this: http://www.monstercable.com/monstergame/xbox/productPageXBOX.asp?pin=1528

Thanks for your help!

[mjones73]

Stay away from Monster unless you like to throw your money away, while they make nice cables, they are way overpriced for what you get. There are cheaper quality alternatives out there. Check out AR cables available at places like Best Buy, bluejeanscables.com, and hdtvsupply.com, they all are quality cables.

The new MS XBox pack has the cables built in, that's the discontinued one in the picture by the way. I just picked one up last month and it works great. I would just stick with the first party connectors, your not going to see any advantage spending more on Monster connectors for your games.

Also, you might want to get a component switcher, it's not good to constantly unhook and attach cables and your not going to have enough inputs on your TV to cover everything. Check out http://www.consoleaccessories.com/unv004.asp

[DarkGeno21]

Stay away from Monster unless you like to throw your money away, while they make nice cables, they are way overpriced for what you get. There are cheaper quality alternatives out there. Check out AR cables available at places like Best Buy, bluejeanscables.com, and hdtvsupply.com, they all are quality cables.

The new MS XBox pack has the cables built in, that's the discontinued one in the picture by the way. I just picked one up last month and it works great. I would just stick with the first party connectors, your not going to see any advantage spending more on Monster connectors for your games.

Also, you might want to get a component switcher, it's not good to constantly unhook and attach cables and your not going to have enough inputs on your TV to cover everything. Check out http://www.consoleaccessories.com/unv004.asp


Thanks for the heads up on the monster cables. I'll definately check out AR cables. What discontinued one are you reffering to? Which one did you pick up? I never thought about a component switcher, good idea.

[tonelocdog]

I would get accoustic research cables as well, if you don't want to spend the money on monster cables.

[mjones73]

Geno - The xbox pack you linked to that requires a seperate set of cables has been discontinued, MS sells one with the cables attached for the same price now. I ordered mine through Amazon and even though it looked like the one you posted on Amazon's site, I got the one with the cables attached.

tonelocdog - I'd get just about anything but Monster, it's a known fact the profit margin is very high on them, that's why stores push them so much. I won't argue they make nice cables, they just price them way higher then they are actually worth...

[DarkGeno21]

Ahh I understand now. Weird that Microsoft hasn't updated the website. Thanks for all your help guys. I'll start hunting down everything I need. Can't wait to get everything set up! :-D

[kevinw]

FOR PS 2 and other cables see www.hdtvsupply.com

[tonelocdog]

Geno - The xbox pack you linked to that requires a seperate set of cables has been discontinued, MS sells one with the cables attached for the same price now. I ordered mine through Amazon and even though it looked like the one you posted on Amazon's site, I got the one with the cables attached.

tonelocdog - I'd get just about anything but Monster, it's a known fact the profit margin is very high on them, that's why stores push them so much. I won't argue they make nice cables, they just price them way higher then they are actually worth...

I agree with you mjones73 monster is overpriced, I paid 120 dollars for a 2m hdmi cable and it useless for me because i can't use it on anything :boo2: . Although by seeing the design of monster cables and visiting theire website, and doing research on their component cables, I can't resist buying them due to their credibility, and their higher standards as cable producers. :nono2:

[mjones73]

Sucked in by the marketing huh? :)

[coyote]

Typically the cables that come with a VCR or DVD player are fine for short component video runs. And you can then get cheapo cables from RadioShack or your local closeout center for a couple bucks for the audio.

I had exactly one issue with my cables. I have a bunch from years of musician-type stuff, so I use them. One set of cables worked poorly with one DVD player (but not with another), so I simply swapped 'em out for another set. Works beautifully.

DO NOT waste your hard-earned $$$ on Monster. They are the biggest fraud going.

[Matt27]

As much as we hate monster for their overpriced cables, you have to remember that their monster video 3 component cables are the only cables that were approved by the ISF strictest tests.

I admit i have some monster cables, mainly my subwoofer cable and digital coaxile cable, and a fiber optic cable plus my component cable monster video 3 which i got from ebay brand new for 25$.

So honestly i would'nt buy from monster now with their new campaighns and stuff, plus the prices have gone up on some of their cables.

Try the sites that kevin and mike posted, these are very good.

I have tried a few before purchasing the monster, i have tried GE, Acoustic research,philips,RCA but of all them i found the monster to be the sharpest of the bunch, it was the only one that was extremely detailed and i could see every detail in the picture.

Acoustic research was close though, but marginally a little soft, but just a tiny bit.

Go with accoustic research if you can, they are very good and just as sharp.

[Ratman]

...or make your own digital audio, subwoofer and component cables with RG59 or RG6 coax.

If they have F connectors, use a F to RCA adapter.

[Matt27]

I was thinking about that,that way you know your getting a well built cable because you use the materials.

Well i hooked up my digital cable box by the way today, but my dad says to leave it on for a few days so it can configure itself.Right now i don't get the digital channels, and was wondering how long it takes for the box to configure itself?

Also does it have to be left on once i get the channels all the time?Is it ok to turn it off once i get the digital channels, i won't lose them right?

[DarkGeno21]

Ok I have more questions, but these pertain to actually setting everything up. I need to know how to properly hook everything up and what I need to buy in order to do so...

I ordered a Sony KDF-42WE655 which will be coming in early this week. I have two choices of where to place it in my house:

The front room, which has a Sony DVP-NS300 dvd player connected to a Sony STR-K502 receiver. Or my room where I just have a old Sony MHC-M500AV 5.1 shelf system, and a 1-2 year old Sony DVP-S360 dvd player.

Now here's my dillemma: Not olny do I want a dvd/audio system connected to my new HDTV, but I also want my PS2, Xbox, and Gamecube connected as well. I want to stick to component connections as much as possible for all of the devices (AR will be my brand of choice thanks to you guys). I am interested in getting the Pelican System Selector Pro that mjones73 suggested but how will I get everything properly connected in either room?

Are there enough connections? Both of my audio systems have limited connections so will the Pelican even help? Should I think about selling off my old Sony MHC-M500AV and DVP-S360 dvd player for something better? If so what dvd/audio system would you guys recommend? But I only have about $400 to spend if I were to get a new system.

Help!