First...is it worth it? on a Bravia 40"

Second...if i buy the cheaper pack that doesnt come with a fiber optic cable, does the component with analog audio cable have a port for fiber optic? or are they going to force me to get the two?

Thanks

I don't know if it is worth it but the Microsoft branded component cables have a place where you can connect an optical cable of your choosing to a spot on the connector that goes to the xbox end, if that makes any sense.

I don't know if it is worth it but the Microsoft branded component cables have a place where you can connect an optical cable of your choosing to a spot on the connector that goes to the xbox end, if that makes any sense.

My question is if i upgrade to Monster, does the pack that comes with audio analog have a simliar connector, or do I have to get the pack that comes with both.

I believe an adapter is required for optical out on the monster cables. So, if the cheaper set doesn't come with the optical adapter, you will be forced to buy it should you need it.

I would advise trying to buy locally where they accept returns. Then, you can test the cables and see for yourself the difference.

Some prefer the make of the cables and buy them for that reason alone.

This is just my opinion, but I've never seen one display set up in a store showing monster v generic cables. I think there's a good reason why. Not cables are equal, but monster certainly isn't any better than most at carrying a signal.

Yes you would have to buy the monster adaptor with the monster cables. So if you want digtial optcail out with the monster your looking at a grand total cost of over 100 bucks.

Were as with the microsoft you'll maybe spend 50 bucks if you don't have an optical cable already.

I'd go with the microsoft they work just as good as monster. I belive the only diffrence is they add more shelding and a thicker dieltric center. Which makes no diffrince in preformnce the cables are just thicker.

I’ll try and answer the second question first. In typical monster stupidity (or marketing genius)...you will need the little funky mini cable to toslink adaptor that connects a toslink to their cable. This is unlike the cables that came with the 360 which allowed you to plug the toslink directly into the cable. Look and see if they include this little adaptor in the other packages. I don't know if you can buy one of these adaptors if you don’t buy a set that has their toslink cable included. Perhaps these adaptors are available separately from a specialty electronics parts store?

Now the first question, Does this cable upgrade make an improved difference? YES...not jaw dropping but a visual upgrade never-the-less IMHO. I have a Sony HDTV 34" KDXS955 (super fine pitch tube). The colors seemed a bit more vivid, (not un-natural) a little clearer and the details seemed slightly better. I compared with 360 games and various DVDs. It was actually a bit easier to see on the games. My kids could tell the difference when A/B comparing, not that they even really cared about which had better color, detail, etc. :D They too picked the monster cables as better every time. :)

Since this is one of the only cable upgrades options to consider for the 360 I bought them and figured I would take it back if I wasn't happy with it. I think you will really need a decent HDTV to see the differences. Your Bravia 40 should be able to show the improvement. Again these are subtle improvements so don’t expect a HOLY CRAP experience. : :eek: So IMHO it was worth the upgrade and over the life of the 360 it was worth the minimal cost for the enhancements. Yet, some might get more enjoyment simply buying one more game instead. ;)

I bought the set that that had the toslink included for the same price (COMPUSA) as the one that doesn't include it. Since I already had a far superior higher end glass fiber optic toslink for use I sold the plastic optic Monster toslink on e-bay (with shipping) for $24. Yes I compared them and the Monster toslink was far inferior! :D Anyway, so now I'm into the upgraded video cables for less than $40 so I was happy with the final tweak...until upgradeits stikes again. ;)

Cheers,

Tribal

Not sure where people are getting their information and are suggesting you need to spend $100 on this upgrade. Just buy the GameLink™ 360 Component Video & Fiber Optic Audio A/V Kit locally for $60ish so you can return it if you are not happy. Or $50ish (on ebay) and be done with it.

If you already have a toslink cable you might be able to buy the GameLink™ 360 Component Video A/V Cable for even less money (IF IT HAS THE MINI TO TOSLINK ADAPTOR INCLUDED which nobody sees to know) and just use your own toslink cable.

Yes the Microsoft cable that comes with the bundled 360 is of fine quality and for the vast majority of people will be just the ticket. If you have the "core" system and are buying a new component cable then there is no reason not to spend just a few extra $$$$ and just get the Monster set. It was actually slightly better and IMHO worth the added expense. If you don't have a HDTV then don't even worry about it. ;)

Cheers,

Tribal

PS For what its worth I'm typically no fan of Monster products! :)

If one owned the previous Monser Cables for the XBox (including the toslink cable) could one also use that toslink dongle with the component cables for the XBox 360 Monster Cables?

I don't think the monster will make a big difference

Rocko (before the edit,)
I believe you are incorrect. The original Xbox dongle from XBox fiber optic cable appears to be the same type besides aesthetics as the one for the 360. I have not tested this.
This dongle comes w/ the fiber optic cable, NOT the component cable.
Yes, it obviously forces you to buy the fiber optic cable too.
I think better analog cables like the Monster component cables do make a difference, but some people don't care for or value small upgrades.

Monster cable "upgrade" is rarely worth the $$ in my opinion. As with any "high-end cable", one must ask if the benefit outweighs the cost. Rarely do they ever. Talk to a salesman selling these "high-end" cables and they will sing you a different bullshit song. Save your money and spend it on upgrading something else in your system. Put that $100 towards a nicer receiver, speakers, or monitor.

If you already have a toslink cable you might be able to buy the GameLink™ 360 Component Video A/V Cable for even less money (IF IT HAS THE MINI TO TOSLINK ADAPTOR INCLUDED which nobody sees to know) and just use your own toslink cable.


Thanks, Tribal! This is what I am trying to ask.

Thanks for your feedback. I am on HD, 40" Bravia. I am gonna keep watching ebay to see if i can get a set for 30ish dollars. until then i will live with the bundled microsoft component cables

You are wasting your $ if you buy Monster cables! The money you will save buying a cheaper brand you can buy another game.

You are wasting your $ if you buy Monster cables! The money you will save buying a cheaper brand you can buy another game.
While I have very little experience with Monster's cable for the 360 (sold it when I decided to just go with Microsoft's VGA cable), I can tell you that this statement isn't entirely true. With the original Xbox, I saw a significant improvement going from the Microsoft HD pack with Acoustic Research component video cables to the Monster component cables. Cables mean a lot and can be very important for gaming applications. While the Monster Cables are overpriced, they certainly aren't a waste of money for many users.

Thanks, Tribal! This is what I am trying to ask.

Thanks for your feedback. I am on HD, 40" Bravia. I am gonna keep watching ebay to see if i can get a set for 30ish dollars. until then i will live with the bundled microsoft component cables

Good idea Tubby nj. Ebay often has the answer for less. :)


Yes you would have to buy the monster adaptor with the monster cables. So if you want digtial optcail out with the monster your looking at a grand total cost of over 100 bucks.

Why people keep saying that it will cost you $100 is still beyond me. :(


Monster cable "upgrade" is rarely worth the $$ in my opinion. As with any "high-end cable", one must ask if the benefit outweighs the cost. Rarely do they ever. Talk to a salesman selling these "high-end" cables and they will sing you a different bullshit song. Save your money and spend it on upgrading something else in your system. Put that $100 towards a nicer receiver, speakers, or monitor.

Putting $100 toward better gear is always a good idea, especially if you have a lot to improve and much to be desired in a “budget” set-up. That $100 can be better spent for more significant gains. If you have a midland or “higher end” setup then these little refinements can often help, in some case minimally and other cases a bit more. The reality is Monster is certainly not “high end” …not really even great mid-fi IMHO. It’s just that when you have so few choices for upgrading (tweaking) your original XBOX or newer 360 then “The Monster” is often the only choice to consider. I personally don’t use Monster in any other aspect of my system it’s just these are the only marginal XBOX cable upgrade option available.


Rocko (before the edit,)
I think better analog cables like the Monster component cables do make a difference, but some people don't care for or value small upgrades.

This is so true...the benefits are all relative…relative to the overall system, specific gear, options available, deposable income, time, sanity, etc.

I find a lot of gamers don’t really care much about their sound or picture. All surround receivers sound about the same, TVs look about the same…cables don’t upgrade anything…bla…bla…bla. :rolleyes:

I would also guess a large percentage of the XBOX 360 buyers are still using a conventional TV and playing their sound through the TV and just “having fun playing games” which is what it’s all about in the end! :D

The reality is 5.1 surround, HDTV display, good cables, etc. just adds to the fun of the gaming experience and that upgraded improvements just ads a little more. Often the expenditures makes more sense in other "lacking" parts of the system, but since the person who started this discussion does have a very good HDTV, they may find the slight improvements to be worth it. If you can afford it (and return it if unhappy) then why the heck not go for it! ;)

Cheers,

Tribal

Half the fun in trying to achieve audio/video nirvana is in the journey not the destination.

I don't think the monster will make a big difference

Yes, we know the AVS brainwashing works. :rolleyes:

Radioshack has clearanced the monster optical cable for the xbox 1 adapter for $5 right now, if I'm not mistaken.

Yes, we know the AVS brainwashing works. :rolleyes:Ok...you're only 4 1/2 months late.

Not sure where people are getting their information and are suggesting you need to spend $100 on this upgrade. Just buy the GameLink™ 360 Component Video & Fiber Optic Audio A/V Kit locally for $60ish so you can return it if you are not happy. Or $50ish (on ebay) and be done with it.

If you already have a toslink cable you might be able to buy the GameLink™ 360 Component Video A/V Cable for even less money (IF IT HAS THE MINI TO TOSLINK ADAPTOR INCLUDED which nobody sees to know) and just use your own toslink cable.

Yes the Microsoft cable that comes with the bundled 360 is of fine quality and for the vast majority of people will be just the ticket. If you have the "core" system and are buying a new component cable then there is no reason not to spend just a few extra $$$$ and just get the Monster set. It was actually slightly better and IMHO worth the added expense. If you don't have a HDTV then don't even worry about it. ;)

Cheers,

Tribal

PS For what its worth I'm typically no fan of Monster products! :)

I agree on all points. Homerx is misinformed, or shopping in the wrong places. I got the package mentioned above, that included the monster component and optical cables, as well as the toslink adapter that plugs into the component cable. Furthermore, I purchased it brand new off of ebay for $40, shipped. To me, that's worth it for sure.

I was not believer in better cables until I just recently setup my room and gave monster video 2 series cables a shot for my comcast cable box. Going from the cheap cables than come with the box to the monster there was a very clear difference. The colors were better, less noise and just a smoother picture overall. You don't need to go "THX2 EXTREME!!!" but now I'm a firm believer in good analong cables. I plan to replace the downstairs TV with a set also.

However, I can't say the same for digital cables such as HDMI. Having a good HDMI monster cable from the HD-A1 hd dvd player and going with the free cable that comes with the player, I saw no difference what so ever. I believe cables are more important with analog signals are they're more prone to disturbance. Digital however, only so much you can do to 1' and 0's.

Ok...you're only 4 1/2 months late.

Which you wouldn't have brought up if Monster weren't involved...

Nonetheless, not everyone trolls threads to make sure that their core brands weren't assaulted... I stumbled across this and had to address the brainwashed response. And if I was 4 1/2 months late, I guess that makes you all the later.

Fact is (and it is a FACT) if Monster was was the exact same price, there would be no backlash. If something offers better performance at a higher cost, that is a choice to be made. Better stuff costs more, fact of life.

For the $40 I paid on Ebay for the MC kit it was worth it..I had the MC setup for the Xbox and noticed when plugging the Optical into the stock MS 360 cable it wasnt a tight fit but it worked.

I guess it just comes down to the person. If you have the money to spend, why not get it? Even if the PQ is only slightly better, at least you know you have that extra output coming from your hdtv.

I have an xbox with Monster Component / Optical cable - will the cable fit the xbox 360? Connector that plugs into the xbox looks similar - are the connections the same?

I have an xbox with Monster Component / Optical cable - will the cable fit the xbox 360? Connector that plugs into the xbox looks similar - are the connections the same?

Yes, it will work.. As for Monster improving Video Quality... You will see a difference. Your picture will be cleaner & your colors more vivid... You also can hear an Audio Improvement also.

i debated the Monster cables for awhile now and im glad that I baught them. reading many reviews on the internet was driving me nuts because everyone said they didnt work. I went out and baught them yesturday and I noticed a Dramatic change in my Colors, Brightness and even some of the Detail pops out alittle more.

I paid 69.99 for the Kit (Cable and Audio). Running a 27 inch LCD HDTV by Insiginia 1080i and I wouldnt take them back for anything. I LOVE EM :)