I know you think Monster Cables are overpriced (which they are...)

[Laura Palmer]

But a lot of you are saying they're not any good and should be avoided.
Thing is, I work for Best Buy and I can get a pretty darn good discount on Monster since yes, they are ridiculously overpriced. Thing is, should I take advantage and cash in? Or should I really be looking at another vendor like Acoustic Research? Same question goes for Monster Power. Cause I'm looking at getting the HTS2000 MKII.

But I'm seeing a lot of threads about people saying not to go with that, because there's cheaper alternatives...

But Monster is still good, right?

[Ratman]

I don't think anyone will say that Monster cables are not "good". They are overpriced and over-marketed (Hyped).

If you can get them with a deep discount, enjoy.

[_Arklyte_]

From an electrical connection standpoint, there is nothing superior or inferior about Monster products. There are some better products and some worse. If you can get them cheap, then IMO, I would.

[oldschool4life]

Because of their recent actions, you should not support them.

[Laura Palmer]

...and what have been their recent actions?

[greywolf]

They've been sueing organizations and companies with "monster" in their names for infringement.

On the hardware side of the coin, I would not use any Monster cable with RCA connectors if it was given to me. The connectors are overly heavy and inflexible and can damage jacks when removed.

[_Arklyte_]

ROFLMAO....sueing for the use of monster? This is almost as bad as Trump trying to get rights to "Your Fired".

Well, I didn't know they were sueing for tripe like that. On that note, NO, I would not purchase anything from them, regardless of price.

Things like that drive me nuts.

Thanks for the heads up.

[I'mListening]

Ohhhh....Nooo.... You mean no more "Monster Garage" or "Monster House"! ;)

[SIMJEDI]

Originally posted by I'mListening
Ohhhh....Nooo.... You mean no more "Monster Garage" or "Monster House"! ;)

They already have started the process: News link (http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2004/11/08/BUG1J9N3C61.DTL&type=business)

F'n bullies.


peace

[oldschool4life]

Originally posted by SIMJEDI
They already have started the process: News link (http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2004/11/08/BUG1J9N3C61.DTL&type=business)

F'n bullies.


peace

x 2

Funk Monster Cable...

Pass the word arround...

[Axatax]

Companies like Monster Cable and Bose don't have any actual products that stand on their own merits - all they have is a name garnered through aggressive marketing. They are essentially litigation companies, that without a name have nothing.

But Monster is still good, right?

No, and they never were.

[greywolf]

Wait till somebody whose had the name longer countersues.

[upNdown]

The thing I find most annoying about Monster is the monopoly they have in the major retailers. Check out Bestbuy, Circuit city and Monster dominates their cable sections - 90% of what they sell is monster, and I think that allows them to overprice the standard stuff that is relegated to the bottom shelves. Cambridge Soundworks sells only Monster cables - no standard stuff at all. Its annoying for a guy like me, but at least I know to where to look to find what I need. I fear the average consumer just buys what they see. So my theory is that people don't choose Monster cables as much as they're forced to buy Monster.

You've got to applaud Monster for creating a situation like this, from a business perspective, but its really annoying from the consumer's pointof view.

[ellisr63]

Isn't "Monster" in the dictionary? How can they sue for a name that has been in use for years prior to their company? I say boycott Monster Cable and support all companies that are being sued by Monster.

[SIMJEDI]

Here is a list of Monster cases:United States Patent and Trademark Office (http://ttabvue.uspto.gov/ttabvue/v?qt=adv&pno=&qs=monster+cable+products&propno=&propnameop=&propname=&pop=&pn=&pop2=&pn2=&cop=&cn=)

They even suing over "Monster Mash" :rolleyes:


peace

[oldschool4life]

Somebody on another forum made a funny...

not that I ever bought anything from them before, but I surely won't now. That has the be the most rediculous thing I've ever seen. I hope some company turns around and sues them for using the word "cable"

[Taubs]

http://www.snowmonsters.com/monstercable/

[SVonhof]

I hate bully stories like that. I have only purchased one Monster product and that will be the last. I will also put this out to anyone I know.

[ellisr63]

Monster Cable doesn't deserve to be in business (if this is how they are going to run there business). I know I have bought my last Monster product and will pass this info on to everyone I know.

[aviman33]

Laura,
Use your discount and go with the AR cables. They make a very good reasonable priced cable. Speaking as an electrical engineer, I see very little advantage in buying most salon cables. Most of what I see is the design equivalent of "pimp my ride" , great looking but functionally laughable. As someone previously said some of these have oversized connectors that can damage your components. Some are using jewelery gold plating (organic brighteners added) rather than pure gold. I could go on and on. If you want to setup in quality from the AR's, look into some of the custom houses like Bluejeanscables.com and others. Concerning power line conditioners and UPS units check out TrippLite.com for a top quality reasonable price product.

Jon

[Version]

Monster products are fine, with a generous discount they can even be a good value. I bought some during a summer I worked at Best Buy.

but...

I will never buy another Monster Product again until they stop these ridiculous lawsuits. This has gotten way out of hand.

Consider me officially on the boycott wagon.

[upNdown]

They're going after the monster seats at fenway park? How ridiculous is that? First off, I've no idea how long Monster has been around, but I bet the Green Monster at Fenway has been around longer. Second, how could their existence possibly infringe on any rights Monster has? Do they think people are buying those tickets because they think they have something to do with Monster Cable?

That is pretty lame.

[TheFerret]

About two months ago I was picking up a DVI-to-HDMI Monster cable is it was going to cost me whatever Monster has printed on the package. I asked the kid at checkout what his discount was and he said he could get the 3 or 5 meter DVI-HDMI Mnoster cable for abuot $60. List price was something like $125-150.

I think that while they market their wares to ignorant consumers (ignorance is not a bad word, just a conditon of not being aware). Had they sold their ware more reasonably maybe non-ignorant people would bad-mouth them so much.

Laura, how much could you get the DVI-HDMI cable for in the longest length for the regular SKU item? PM to not place yourself in unkind BB light. Remember, I am what BB calls an 'evil' customer. :)

[SVonhof]

Originally posted by TheFerret
About two months ago I was picking up a DVI-to-HDMI Monster cable is it was going to cost me whatever Monster has printed on the package. I asked the kid at checkout what his discount was and he said he could get the 3 or 5 meter DVI-HDMI Mnoster cable for abuot $60. List price was something like $125-150.

I am what BB calls an 'evil' customer. :)

So, being an evil customer, did you ask the kid if he would buy it for you, with his discount and then give him another $10 and meet him in the parking lot after work to pick it up? :)

[TheFerret]

We should all form Giant Power and/or Mammoth Cable.

[Crunchyriff]

Ditto the vote for BlueJeansCables. Great stuff. I'm very happy with my 20' component video cable I bought from them, for my p/j.

As far as the "spendy" cables, I'd personally go no further than Bettercables. They are another great brand, and competitive with brands 4-5x the price; though I wonder just how far the BJC stuff lags behind, if at all.

[Dan Forsyth]

No one is going to buy there stuff now escspecilly there new speakers which are also pricey

[Laura Palmer]

My oh my, this has been an interesting thread.
Thank you all for your input.

At the risk of a Monster Rep discovering me and having me fired, the common Monster discount is 60% off.

While I definetely feel the same way about the horrible monopoly and unethical business practices of Monster, well... I still have an inclination to take advantage of this ridiculous discount. I mean 90% of us still use Microsoft Windows right? (I'm a little weary that that comment will spark flames or debate though :)

You're right though, there are definetely other manufacturers... but sadly my discount is limited to AR and Monster Cables and (perish the thought, I can't buy retail now that I know what a crazy markup it is for cables - any cables for that matter).

Now I know that if I don't buy Monster then I'm not supporting Monster...but at the same time, I really want good cables. And for some reason the $11 accoustic research cables that BB has just strike me as inferior to the crazy ultra nitrogen gas injected cables. Or even the bottom of the line ones.

I know I know, this is probably all in my head. And for all intensive purposes, they're probably VERY similar in quality.

One thing that does concern me though is the possibility of damaging my components...that definetely makes me nervous. I was told to hookup and unhook Monster Cables by turning them clockwise, will that reduce the risk as they say it will?

Thanks everyone. All your input is definetely being taken into consideration.

[Axatax]

I really want good cables.

bluejeanscable.com

Belden/Canare construction which is the standard of the broadcast industry. These are professional grade cables at probably less than Monster with your discount.

crazy ultra nitrogen gas injected cables


:rolleyes:

Marketing++. Don't fall for it.

[Crunchyriff]

Yes, supposedly turning them while removing the connectors is the way to do it.

You know, Laura, your discount notwithstanding, let me suggest something to consider:

Sure, 60% is a hefty 'savings'.

Then again, I just bought that 20' component video cable I previously mentioned, (from BJC) and it is fantastic. The picture is noticably better than the 6' Monster Component cable it replaced ( I hardly expected that to be the case) and we are talking an additional 14' length of cable over what the Monster cable it replaces, is.

That being said, I also like the Canare RCA connectors BJC uses; which, not only WON'T damage your jacks, but are rated at a much higher bandwidth than the connectors Monster is using.

Would you like to know what I paid for 20' of very high-quality, component-video cable?

$78.00, plus USPS shipping.

I got the cable shipped to me via USPS and had the package in three days. They (the alternative cable mfg's.) certainly are something to carefully consider.

IN spite of Monster's naughty, greedy tactics, I DO like some of the Monster products: the mid-to-upper tier power conditioners and the AVS voltage stabilizers are great pieces of gear, IMHO..and I may, grudgingly, end up buying one, if not both items. I am shopping my options for these pieces at the moment.

On another note, I just hooked up my new Belden speaker cables tonight (removing the Monster XP wire I had for four years) that I bought in bulk from BJC, (approx $16 for 30'...) and I will give a report on another thread. Suffice it to say, once again, I am amazed...

Good luck, Laura!

[SVonhof]

I bought my cables from Cable Solutions (go to ebay stores and do a search on "cable solutions")
They use Canare connectors and cable, which makes it really nice.

In case you have not seen a Canare RCA connector, here is a close-up of it:
http://www.cs1.net/img/Canare_RCAP_closeup_300.jpg
http://www.cs1.net/img/Canare_LV-61S_3_channel_black_RCA_RGB_close-up_640.jpg

Oh, and a 6m (19.7 foot) length set of component cables is currently $80.64 plus $8.95 shipping(in case the price changes before this post is history).

[Crunchyriff]

Scott,

This thread ain't history yet, but the link you posted for cable solutions has been, uhh, "boogered"... :o

Sounds like those guys are pretty competitive w/ BlueJeansCable, both in price and materials. Very cool!

FWIW, BJC gives you a choice of Belden 7710a, 1694a, or 1505f (hi-flexibilty) cables; or two types of Canare cable for component vid. applications. All of these of course, (for those who need RCA ends), feature the nice Canare RCA connectors.

[aviman33]

Laura,

Canare and Belden are definitely the gold standard.

If your dead set on getting the Monsters, go ahead. Just don't base your decision on the marketing crap. Generally people who ask about Monster products or Bose already have there minds made up. Good luck.

Jon

[SVonhof]

Yeah, thanks for letting me know about that. I changed it so there are instructions on how to get to it, since AVS won't let us post the link directly I guess. Maybe I have not been keeping up with the rules?

[Crunchyriff]

No problem, Scott- BTW, I checked out your H/T project online last night. Nice job. Very nice.

It's funny, some of the issues you dealt with regarding a few unwanted windows in the room is something we are looking at right now; and your solution is right along the lines as to where I am headed. Nice to know it was an effective solution!

Happy New Year!!

[SVonhof]

No problems with the windows and it has been a few years since we did it. Just make sure you leave the view from outside looking decent if you have neighbors. Nothing worse than having windows that look like they are just boarded-up.

[David Richardson]

Laura

Don't worry about the MonsterCables hurting your eq. as long as you use the method yourself described.

I worked for a CI business who won the Monster CI dealer of the year in '98. I like the products overpriced as they are. The ARs are OK but if you have the ability to buy with a deep discount I would.


Dave

[Crunchyriff]

Nothing worse than having windows that look like they are just boarded-up.

Har! Yes.... With that, the neighbors might expect 3 hound-dogs under the front porch, and cars on blocks, too! ;)

Un-finished work is just that...unfinished.

[deeann]

Originally posted by SVonhof
No problems with the windows and it has been a few years since we did it. Just make sure you leave the view from outside looking decent if you have neighbors. Nothing worse than having windows that look like they are just boarded-up.

Actually- we had to board up one of the living room windows facing the in the backyard *because* of the neighbors to protect it (their kid likes to throw stuff). It looks pretty bad but it's better than a busted window. I now have a nice collection of rocks, rubber balls and action figures (missing various limbs).

Oh- yeah- back to the OT, I like AR cables.

[R Harkness]

It amazes me that Monster gets away with some of it's advertising stunts.
Ever seen their split-screen demo purportedly showing the difference between an image using Monster cables vs another brand? The side of the screen supposedly using monster cable is nice and clear, with the "other brand" side being horrible - fuzzy and blocky etc.

The first deception is that you are supposed to think you are seeing a real demo - that the TV is really hooked up via those two cable brands for comparison. Whereas it's really just a DVD playing a canned image.

But just the sheer fact of the demo, the BS involved is amazing. I've used the cheapest cables to the most expensive and none have ever produced anything close to a difference like you see in the demo. I think a rusty coat hanger would produce a better image than the one attributed to "the other cable brand," as that image is clearly manufactured and distorted.
In other words, this advertising goes beyond dubious Monster claims like "Get the best image from your TV using our cables" to complete, obvious in-your-face scam.

I would really think someone could call them on it. Isn't there anything illegal about false advertising like that? Especially on such a mammoth scale as Monster produces?

[iboon]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Laura Palmer
[B]My oh my, this has been an interesting thread.
Thank you all for your input.

At the risk of a Monster Rep discovering me and having me fired, the common Monster discount is 60% off.

While I definetely feel the same way about the horrible monopoly and unethical business practices of Monster, well... I still have an inclination to take advantage of this ridiculous discount. I mean 90% of us still use Microsoft Windows right? (I'm a little weary that that comment will spark flames or debate though :)

Some people in this country feel that a "too successful" company must be doing something wrong or unethical. Fact is, any cable only costs a couple bucks to make, so whether the markup is thirty dollars or fifteen, if the percentage profit is 150% what difference does it make?

[Crunchyriff]

Some people in this country feel that a "too successful" company must be doing something wrong or unethical.

This is true, and I can guarantee you that I'm not one of those idiots...


:D

But truth be told, Monster is not only an aggressive market-bully, but it appears that they have indeed crossed the line in truth-in-advertising; just like the old laundry detergent commercials did years ago. It's just a matter of time before they get nailed for it.

"Corporate Greed" OTOH, has no laws against it, in itself. I think Mr. Lee crossed that line many years ago- clearly evidenced by his use of the legal system in these asinine lawsuits.

every chicken comes home to roost- eventually.

[iboon]

Every company has a right to protect its corporate interests. I wonder how many people stumbled onto Monster.com searching for cable? Point is, I think Monster Cable gets assaulted by those who think that protecting their interests is wrong, simply because those people already feel their cable is overpriced, which are two different issues. My point is let's not let one criticism bleed into another that's not germane.

[SVonhof]

Originally posted by iboon
I wonder how many people stumbled onto Monster.com searching for cable?

FYI, if you do go to Monster.com, there is a link (not a blatant one) at the bottom of the page to Monster Cable's web site. If you go to the Monster Cable web site, there are no links to any other sites that I could find such as Monster.com

[iboon]

Originally posted by SVonhof
FYI, if you do go to Monster.com, there is a link (not a blatant one) at the bottom of the page to Monster Cable's web site. If you go to the Monster Cable web site, there are no links to any other sites that I could find such as Monster.com


Point taken.

[Best Buy Guy]

Laura, when I worked there for 30 days, the monster discount was only BB's cost + 5%. And if you had the time to order it from the vendor (in this case monster) it was 50% off (perhaps 60% i can't remember). Either way, 60% off is still not worth it. As stated by several other people above, monster doesn't make a "really good cable". You'll get good cables from bluejean for less then what your discount price is.

By the way, the only discounts that are really worth it are the ones you get directly from the manufacturer. For example you can get killer deals on JBL and Klipsch speakers. Also the car audio stuff is really cheap. Makes me feel stupid for paying full price all these years. Some appliance vendors offer good rebates too. For the most part you can buy everything for less then your discount from a reputable online dealer. I wanted to buy the PDP 5040 and i was able to find it online for $100 more then the discount and i didn't have to deal with those stupid sales people lol.

[Version]

Every company has a right to protect its corporate interests. I wonder how many people stumbled onto Monster.com searching for cable? Point is, I think Monster Cable gets assaulted by those who think that protecting their interests is wrong, simply because those people already feel their cable is overpriced, which are two different issues. My point is let's not let one criticism bleed into another that's not germane.

Monster.com seems to be the one legitimate case I can see. No doubt Monster Cables have a legitimate claim they could be damaged by Monster.com

but suing the Chicago Bears for the nickname "Monster of the Midway"?
Suing a children's ski safety program?
Suing an independant used clothing store?

Some of these seem a little frivolous. That's why I am not supporting Monster Cables any longer.

[Crunchyriff]

Point is, I think Monster Cable gets assaulted by those who think that protecting their interests is wrong, simply because those people already feel their cable is overpriced, which are two different issues.

Of course they are two different issues- worlds apart. And I for one am (at least) intelligent enough to distinguish that difference.

So your estimation, or assumption in this regard, is WAY off. :)

There have been many companies in various mkt's over the years who have been, in my estimation 'overpriced', but have not stooped to the lows in litigation exploits that Monster Cable has.

[solderguy]

Another issue is that equipment keeps getting more and more digital. With a digital cable (hdmi, dvi, or dig audio) the term "signal to noise ratio" doesn't even apply, instead it's "noise margin". If your cable's peak noise level is below your noise margin, the bits get read correctly. On short to mid length runs, cheap digital cables will perform IDENTICAL to Monster. I'm using a 12 foot dvi cable that was $15 on ebay, no problems whatsoever.

[LYU370]

Originally posted by SVonhof
FYI, if you do go to Monster.com, there is a link (not a blatant one) at the bottom of the page to Monster Cable's web site. If you go to the Monster Cable web site, there are no links to any other sites that I could find such as Monster.com

If I remember right, monster.com added it after they settled with Monster Cable. Yep, monster cable already went after them.

I was at BB a while back looking for some cables, a sales guy came by and started pushing the Monster stuff, I asked him if he thought I was an idiot and proceeded to tell him I wouldn't buy that overpriced, over hyped cr@p if they payed me. Several other customers that were there immediately put down the monster packages and started looking at the AR stuff. The dirty looks I got from the sales guys was priceless. :D

Andy

[jamiecrane]

I use to work PT at BB and I have a few Monster cables that I bought with our discount. That being said I quickly moved to the AR line since they are about the same quality and with the discount, they are almost free!
I do have one Monster surge protector bought the same way and I would say that if you can get the monster power centers go for it. I do not think you will be able to find any other power conditioner for the same amount of money as the monster after discount.
Just my two cents
Jamie

[Gaius Caligula]

Originally posted by aviman33
Laura,

Canare and Belden are definitely the gold standard.

If your dead set on getting the Monsters, go ahead. Just don't base your decision on the marketing crap. Generally people who ask about Monster products or Bose already have there minds made up. Good luck.

Jon I served as legal counsel for Canare, and I cannot accordingly comment on them; although I wish I could. :(

[Workindood]

Hmmm...This is all very interesting. Something to think about down the road when I upgrade/replace/add to my system(s). In my glorious ignorance I purchased all Monster cables. Yes I was choking on the pricing. I DESPISE paying retail for anything. At least I got them at BB to knock off some of the price from their list. And YES they seem to be the tightest fitting damn connectors...at least the guy at BB told me to twist them in or out. I was real afraid I was going to ruin my female connector on my TV. Also when I was hooking everything up I was of course excited and wanted to get it ALL working NOW. I did not sit and read the manual for any of my equipment. I'll do that later when or if I have a problem...or when I have a need to go to the bathroom/library. Of course I did have a problem, so I got out the manual and figured that I hooked up the Optical cable wrong. That was fun getting one of those to back out of the socket. I was thinking up new cuss words on that one.

Well all this was last March...water way over the bridge and I never knew of this forum. However, I refused to purchase the Monster power strip. I figured I had two perfectly good $80.00 power strips that I use for computers and they were good enough for the new TV and etc. To this day if there is a Hint of a thunderstorm or flux in power in our neighborhood I run around the house and unplug everything. Except the Fridge....our power company will buy you a new one if there is a surge...and my wife wants a new cool one. :D

[FunhouseMedia]

I actually wrote the president of Monster, below is his response. Please come to your own, educated conclusions.

"What you are reading is untrue and before you come to an opinion, you might want to be properly informed.

We do not have any lawsuits pending and we do not object or take action against businesses just because they sell products that have “Monster” in their names. If we did, we would never be able to run our business, not to mention the astronomical cost. There are over 1100 Monster registered trademarks and probably hundreds more that are unregistered. We don’t have any intention of suing them or taking any action against them as they are not in our class (see below) or are too small so they do not dilute our name. These marks have been allowed by the Trademark Office, as our 50 marks listed below. They and we have protection on these trademarks.

The web site you might be looking at a notification of trademark FILINGS, not lawsuits. So if anyone is misrepresenting this to you, this is not right and should be corrected.
If you click on some of those trademark filings, you will see that many of these are merely 60 day extensions on their filings so we can look to see if there are any conflict with our channels.
Even if we do object to the filing, it is the trademark examiner that determines if the business filing for the mark is entitled, it, NOT US who makes this determination..
Our examination of businesses filing trademarks with our name Monster is normal processes for any business having a trademark, and even more so for us since we have 53 trademarks that have already been allowed and not contestable. I have listed them below.
The trademark law says that we are required to police our marks and enforce them or we will lose them.
If anyone using a trademark, they can continue to use it even without a trademark filing, as they have a common law right to it unless it infringes on someone else’s mark. In the case of Snow Monsters, I think that their products are great and don’t cause us any problems. They are also using monsters as “characters” so that’s not us. They have since taken the site down and will be issuing a clarification sometime early this week.

Hope this clears things up for you. We merely want to protect the trademarks that it has taken me 25 years of hard work to build.

If anyone else is under a wrong impression about our intention otherwise, please feel free to pass this on. If you could clarify your comments for your readers, it would help as well.


Here are the Monster Trademarks, that are NOT only Monster Cable in the areas that we do business you may not know about.

Class 9 (e.g. consumer electronics):

In class 9 we have the following registered trademarks, some which date back as far as 1978:

Monster
Monster Cable
Monster Power
Monster Music
Monster Batteries
Monster Car Audio
Monster Central
Monster Computer
Monster Internet
Monster Digital
Monster Game
Monster Home Theatre
Monster Lock
Monster Microphone
Monster Mobile
Monster Mounts
Monster Multimedia
Monster Networking
Monster Satellite
Monster Sport
Monster Standard
Monster Tips
Monster USB
Monster Wire America

Class 25 (e.g. clothing and apparel):

Tshirts, hats, and other forms of wearables.

In Class 25, we have the following registered trademarks, some which date back over 15 years:

Monster
Monster Attitude
I am a Monster
Monster Sport
Monster Design

Class 41 (e.g. training, entertainment & educational services):

In Class 41, we have the following registered and common-law trademarks:

Monster
Monster Wired
MRHTME
Monster Reference Home Theater Music Experience
M4

Class 16 (e.g. newsletters and printed publications):

In Class 16, we have the following registered trademarks:

Monster
Monster Wired

Monsterous thanks,

Noel
The Head Monster

[SVonhof]

This is a canned response that he has sent to other people as well. There is a thread in the speakers forum that I started on this whole topic. It is a very long thread, but there is some good info in there too.
FYI, if you go to the www.monstervintage.com site, and scroll to the bottom, you can see the info they have given about the case that Monster has now dismissed against them that took almost 3 years to get to this point. No info on Snow Monsters, apparently, they settled and have a gag order in effect, because all the info they had on their site going against Monster Cable is now gone and they are saying everything is good and fine.