I recently decided to replace the Monster cables in my system due to the fact that I'm not happy with the RCA connectors on these particular cables. Specifically I'm talking about my component cable (MV3CV) that connects my DVD player (progressive scan) to my LCD (Sony KDL-40S2000) and my digital coaxial cable (data link 100) that runs from my HD cable box to my receiver. My complaint with the Turbine RCA connectors is that they connect way too tight to my components; very difficult to install and remove. As I move often, I'm concerned that eventually I'll damage one of my components removing/installing these cables. Thus I decided to replace them with some cables from a manufacturer who is highly recommended by this sight. I don't want to malign anyone, so I won't name this particular company.

The cables from this company are very well made, I'm very impressed with the quality. Unfortunately, these cables don't perform as well as my Monster cables. I've already had to request a replacement for the digital coaxial as I started to receive terrible feedback over my HT speakers. And the component cable just doesn't provide as clear a picture as my previous component cable.

I ordered 1505F cable as it was recommended for short runs; length of each cable is 6'. Do you think that I should have went with the 1694A? The 1694A has a solid core vice the stranded core of the 1505F ... would that account for degraded picture/sound? Though my Monster cables also had stranded cores. Thoughts?

1694 is great stuff. I've got my own compression tool and have made component cables 60ft long with no noticable degredation. Just get 1694 and rest assured you really can't buy better.

As I understand it, RF signals travel on the outside of the conductor. The more surface area, the better the signal. This is why copper clad steel is used in RF apps as well as stranded core.
For component video signals, solid core is excellent (not a RF signal). If you do some searching you will find much better/correct explanations than mine.
1694 (or its 3-conductor brother) is generally regarded as top notch.

Have you tried rotating back and forth the monster RCA connectors as you pull on them? It makes them easier to remove when you work in two planes.

Copper clad steel RG6 is used for its tensile strength.

Stranded core coax is used for flexibility.

Baseband video signals extend into the RF range.

1694 is coax cable...2 conductors.
A 3 conductor 'coax' cable is called Triax, used for broadcast camera interconnects.

As I understand it, RF signals travel on the outside of the conductor. The more surface area, the better the signal. This is why copper clad steel is used in RF apps as well as stranded core.
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I was told by an ISF guy that the stranded core is better for video signals, due to the signal-on-the-outside-of-the-conductor issue. High frequency video signals want to ride the outside of the conductor. The thought is that stranded core coax has more surface area due to more strands- ergo, better ability to carry high frequency video components.

Nope, solid versus stranded center conductor in these cables is purely a matter of strength versus flexibility. Now, copper versus copper-clad steel may be a different story (Cu is said to outperform Cu-clad Steel for lower-frequency signals such as baseband video).

Well, this ISF guy also claimed to hear differences when a CD was circumscribed with the infamous Green Pen, too ;).

( I am not kidding).

He does great calibrations on projection CRT's, though :D