Monster Cables > RadioShack?
[611 byte] By [parkov] at [2007-11-9 12:01:23] 
I'm about to have an RCA->1/8" installed in my dash so I can play my iPod in the car. I picked up such an adapter from RadioShack (http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&category%5Fname=&product%5Fid=42%2D2551) for $5 when I saw that Monster was offering the iCable (http://monstercable.com/productPage.asp?pin=1731) made especially for the iPod at $30, and even an iCharger (http://monstercable.com/productPage.asp?pin=1880)! I'm wondering if these Monster cables will improve audio quality at all, let alone enough to justify a 500% premium. Does anyone have insight into this?
# 1 Re: Monster Cables > RadioShack?
Also, should I go ahead and install a Ground Loop Isolator ( http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&category%5Fname=CTLG%5F002%5F001%5F019%5F008&product%5Fid=270%2D054) while I'm in there to maximize the audio quality or is that only necessary in rare cases?parkov at 2007-11-15 16:06:52 >
# 2 Re: Monster Cables > RadioShack?
Doubtful at all that you would see any difference in the monster cable. As long as the cable you are using has a good connection, you will be fine. The only reason to consider a Monster cable for this application (or for any other involving the Ipod) is that you simply want a thicker or heavier cable.The length of the cable isn't long enough that a "monster" cable would benefit the audio quality. I love my Ipod, but even on ultra-high end equipment, cables are usually one of the last tweaks people go for. They make a difference, but only after everything else (Class A amps, crossovers, etc). Monster cables aren't even really regarded very highly in those circles either. Anyhow, your the radio internals, amp, and the Ipod itself are gonna be the limiting factors on your sound quality. Even if those things were maxed, you would have to consider upgrading the wires between the stereo unit and your speakers to remove any bottleneck as well.
kikimus at 2007-11-15 16:07:52 >
# 3 Re: Monster Cables > RadioShack?
I recently completed an installation of an AUX input in my car and did a lot of research for parts as well as tried several cables in the car (factory honda accord CD player/6 spkr) and in my home stereo (Denon AVR3300, Paradigm monitors, sub, surrounds) - you can tell a difference if your system is revealing enough and if your MP3s are encoded at decent quality - I use EAC to rip and LAME 3.90.2 -alt-preset extremeI used the acoustic research rca-mini cable - at $12.99 from BestBuy you can't go wrong and it beats the hell out of radioshack crappy cables as well as overpriced monster iCable.
AR model AP042
http://www.bestbuy.com/Detail.asp?m=58&cat=644&scat=&e=11054074
Check out this thread with 2 of my posts for lots of info and resources for car installation - hope it helps!
http://www.ipodlounge.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=82&perpage=15&pagenumber=3
If you need a ground loop isolator you will know if there is noise present when you play your iPod. This will only occur if you have two different ground planes being connected through your iPod installation such as when you use a power plug from the rear of your car (if one exists). Usually does not occur if you use the cigarette/power plug in/near your dash. Noise from ground loop is fairly obvious - if none exists then you don't need a ground loop isolator as it will do nothing for improving audio quality and its only purpose is for correction of power issues.
SandMan at 2007-11-15 16:08:52 >
# 4 Re: Monster Cables > RadioShack?
I'll tell you from personal experience. I play electric guitar and bass guitar and I switched from generic 1/4" cables over to Monster cables and the sound quality was improved, from a 3 out of 5 to 5 out of 5. The monsters were better insulated, of higher gauge (which really doesn't make a difference with these low signal audio feed applications) and had less hum, hiss, and all that nasty stuff. I must say there was an improvement, but at what cost does it benefit you? The generics went for 8 bucks at 15 feet, the monster was 40 bucks at 21 feet. Big price up, but the warranty is what Monster is awesome for. When you play hard with live music cables, you can grow to appreciate the warranty, but with this sort of protected PA audio sort of stuff, I don't think you'd be cashin in on that warranty often.And if you're really into audiophile equipment, give George L's a try. But before you do, I hope you know how to solder and maintain cables because these things a bit more delicate.
BigBohn at 2007-11-15 16:09:57 >
# 5 Re: Monster Cables > RadioShack?
There is plenty of debate in the audio world regarding the benefits (or lack thereof) of Monster Cable. Many argue their products are an overpriced sham; that a high-quality cable from Radio Shack will give you the same fidelity at a fraction of the cost. Retail stores love to sell Monster Cable too; their profit margin on that stuff is tremendous.I agree with the earlier post about the Acoustic Research cable from Best Buy. That's the one I bought. It was only a couple bucks more than the equivalent from Radio Shack, and only about 1/3 the cost of the Monster Cable.
LagunaSol at 2007-11-15 16:10:57 >
# 6 Re: Monster Cables > RadioShack?
It depends how sensative your ears are to the clarity of music... also, how good the speakers, and the system you have in your car... If you want the best stuff, go with the monster cable (or better). . . If you don't really care, go with the radio shack. . . It's up to you:)Impulse29 at 2007-11-15 16:11:56 >
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