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Thread: HDMI Cables

  1. #1
    mauidan
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    HDMI Cables

    Is it worth upgrading the HDMI cable from the cable box to the TV?

    If so, any recommendations?

  2. #2
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    Re: HDMI Cables

    Quote Originally Posted by mauidan View Post
    Is it worth upgrading the HDMI cable from the cable box to the TV?

    If so, any recommendations?
    It depends on the set and also its age. The other factor is if you view any 4K video. I am still using Monoprice cables with great success!
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  3. #3

    Re: HDMI Cables

    The cable TV box will likely not pass 4k. Thats why what you have been using still works. You can always get a new HDMI premium cable from monoprice that will be good for 4k if you ever need it. Fairly inexpensive and good quality (as you already know)

  4. #4
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    Re: HDMI Cables

    It's been my experience that HDMI cables matter as much as any other. Even where I didn't think it mattered like with kids TV or game consoles the cheap ones are not reliable. And way back when I bought my Marantz, out of the box it didn't sound like it did in the store set up, avoiding the whole story, bottomline a quality HDMI fixed the issue.

    I use Tributaries for HDMI which is a nice price point, I think I paid like $30 or $35.00 for my 4k version. Which for some reason is cheaper than the prior versions I'm using in the 1080p set up. I've never had one go bad.

    As a side note, I think my longest run is only 2 meters.
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  5. #5
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    Re: HDMI Cables

    Yes, it was very obvious on HDMI upgraded cable. I’m running 3 Pioneer Elite Plasma that must be 10-12 years old and after power, cables and grounding look simply amazing


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    Source Analog: Kuzma Stabi R w/4point 11 arm | Kuzma 50 Cartridge
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  6. #6

    Re: HDMI Cables

    What material is the HDMI cable made of? If it is fiber material, the price will be more expensive, but the picture will be clearer.

  7. #7
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    Re: HDMI Cables

    Quote Originally Posted by mauidan View Post
    Is it worth upgrading the HDMI cable from the cable box to the TV?

    If so, any recommendations?
    All you need ...

    https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=15428
    ~ Bob ~
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  8. #8
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    Re: HDMI Cables

    I tend to agree. Spent a small fortune on high-end HDMI, and I can't say I see the difference.

  9. #9

    HDMI Cables

    A few months ago I upgraded to a 4K projector.

    I upgraded my short HDMI cables to 4K monoprice cables.

    But I had an older and long in-wall cable (25 feet long also from Monoprice) that I was not sure would pass 4K.

    Much to my surprise (and delight), that older cable worked with 4K so I did not have to replace it.

    Before buying new cables, test to see if your existing HDMI cables work. The new cables are tested to make sure that they meet the newest standards, but old cables may still work depending on built quality.

    Keep in mind that HDMI cables either work or they don’t. If they cannot pass the 4K signal you will get artifacts, freeze, or blackouts. So if none of that is happening, rather than buying expensive cables, spend your money on professional calibration of your displays. That would be money well spent.

  10. #10
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    Re: HDMI Cables

    I went with Audioquest Cinnamon 48
    Speakers- Dynaudio Contour 1.8 Mk II, Amp - Pass Labs X150.5, Preamp - McIntosh C2600, Turntable - Music Hall MMF-9.3, Cartridge - Goldring Eroica LX, Phono PreAmp - Sutherland Insight, Digital Playback - Rotel RCD-1072, DAC - Bryston BDA-3, Headphones - Sennheiser HD-660S, and Drop + Dan Clark Audio Ether CX. Headphone Amp - Bryston BHA-1

  11. #11
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    Re: HDMI Cables

    I think it maters more the overall quality of your TV and cable box and service provider and your system in general. Get a cable that supports your current system.. I've spent hundreds on HDMI cables and I always come back to a cable from either Blue Jean Cable or Monoprice. Inside, an HDMI cable has 19 individual wires connected to 19 pins, each designed for a specific job, but these are effectively just bits of metal designed to conduct an electrical signal. It’s important to note that there’s absolutely no processing in the cable and, as far as the wires go, they could be carrying a picture, audio or anything else. I say buy a cable that supports the specifications of your TV, cable box, BR etc.. which is most likely the HMDI standard 2.0 which pretty much supports most of our gear but the new Standard which is HDMI 2.1 is backward compatible, but your gear needs to support it to get the most out of it. . But again, try it first in your own system.
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  12. #12
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    Re: HDMI Cables

    Quote Originally Posted by CPP View Post
    I think it maters more the overall quality of your TV and cable box and service provider and your system in general. Get a cable that supports your current system.. I've spent hundreds on HDMI cables and I always come back to a cable from either Blue Jean Cable or Monoprice. Inside, an HDMI cable has 19 individual wires connected to 19 pins, each designed for a specific job, but these are effectively just bits of metal designed to conduct an electrical signal. It’s important to note that there’s absolutely no processing in the cable and, as far as the wires go, they could be carrying a picture, audio or anything else. I say buy a cable that supports the specifications of your TV, cable box, BR etc.. which is most likely the HMDI standard 2.0 which pretty much supports most of our gear but the new Standard which is HDMI 2.1 is backward compatible, but your gear needs to support it to get the most out of it. . But again, try it first in your own system.

    Most of my cables were either HDMI 1.3 or 1.4 when I upgraded my HT gear I realized that I needed 2.0 or higher to get anything in 4K. I wound up upgrading everything including my receiver, BluRay player, and Roku.
    Speakers- Dynaudio Contour 1.8 Mk II, Amp - Pass Labs X150.5, Preamp - McIntosh C2600, Turntable - Music Hall MMF-9.3, Cartridge - Goldring Eroica LX, Phono PreAmp - Sutherland Insight, Digital Playback - Rotel RCD-1072, DAC - Bryston BDA-3, Headphones - Sennheiser HD-660S, and Drop + Dan Clark Audio Ether CX. Headphone Amp - Bryston BHA-1

  13. #13
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    Re: HDMI Cables

    Quote Originally Posted by Jack in Wilmington View Post
    Most of my cables were either HDMI 1.3 or 1.4 when I upgraded my HT gear I realized that I needed 2.0 or higher to get anything in 4K. I wound up upgrading everything including my receiver, BluRay player, and Roku.
    using all 2.0's myself.
    2chl : Vincent Sp331MkII, W4S STP-SE Stage 2, Kef 201/2, KEF 140, Vapor Breeze, Lumin, Bryston CD, BHA-1, Quicksilver Headamp, HD650, HD800s, HD820's, Dan Clark 1.1, Focal Stellia, OPPO 203, 105. ( Boxed up: Pass Xa-30.5, VPI Classic, Dynavector DV-20XL, Manley Chinook, Cadenza Bronze)

  14. #14
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    Re: HDMI Cables

    At this point, this is no reason to buy anything but Belden Bonded-pair HDMI cables.

  15. #15

    Re: HDMI Cables

    Quote Originally Posted by Jack in Wilmington View Post
    I went with Audioquest Cinnamon 48
    I understand that Audioquest was caught with their hands in the pot previously with regards to HDMI cables.

    Audioquest HDMI Audio Rigged Demo Exposed and Addressed in Open Letter
    Audioquest HDMI Audio Rigged Demo Exposed and Addressed in Open Letter | Audioholics Home Theater Forums

  16. #16
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    Re: HDMI Cables

    I upgraded my HDMI cable from the cable box to the receiver and from the receiver to the TV. I wonder if there is a difference?
    Speakers- Dynaudio Contour 1.8 Mk II, Amp - Pass Labs X150.5, Preamp - McIntosh C2600, Turntable - Music Hall MMF-9.3, Cartridge - Goldring Eroica LX, Phono PreAmp - Sutherland Insight, Digital Playback - Rotel RCD-1072, DAC - Bryston BDA-3, Headphones - Sennheiser HD-660S, and Drop + Dan Clark Audio Ether CX. Headphone Amp - Bryston BHA-1

  17. #17
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    Re: HDMI Cables

    +1

    I tried several but was unable to tell a difference. I would spend your money elsewhere.
    Adam

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  18. #18
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    Re: HDMI Cables

    Honestly, I have never seen a difference between 1.4 and 2.0, for my purposes both are suitable!

  19. #19
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    Re: HDMI Cables

    Quote Originally Posted by typhil01 View Post
    Honestly, I have never seen a difference between 1.4 and 2.0, for my purposes both are suitable!
    I hadn't either until I got a 4K TV and actually watched a program in 2160 resolution. When I loaded Spiderman in Ultra HD and only got 1080, I started to do research to see why.
    Speakers- Dynaudio Contour 1.8 Mk II, Amp - Pass Labs X150.5, Preamp - McIntosh C2600, Turntable - Music Hall MMF-9.3, Cartridge - Goldring Eroica LX, Phono PreAmp - Sutherland Insight, Digital Playback - Rotel RCD-1072, DAC - Bryston BDA-3, Headphones - Sennheiser HD-660S, and Drop + Dan Clark Audio Ether CX. Headphone Amp - Bryston BHA-1

  20. #20

    Re: HDMI Cables

    Quote Originally Posted by Jack in Wilmington View Post
    I hadn't either until I got a 4K TV and actually watched a program in 2160 resolution. When I loaded Spiderman in Ultra HD and only got 1080, I started to do research to see why.
    Interesting, thank you for sharing, it turns out in this quality difference is felt!

  21. #21

    Re: HDMI Cables

    Quote Originally Posted by Jack in Wilmington View Post
    I hadn't either until I got a 4K TV and actually watched a program in 2160 resolution. When I loaded Spiderman in Ultra HD and only got 1080, I started to do research to see why.
    In order to get 4K, you need to have make sure that all cables in the chain can pass 4K.
    Many older cables (but not all) can pass 4K. But if you want to be certain, you can buy newer HDMI cables that are certified to pass 4K.
    Price has nothing to do with picture or sound quality. If the cable is able to pass the resolution you want, it will look the same as any other cable that can pass the resolution you want, regardless of price.

  22. #22
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    Re: HDMI Cables

    I ordered my new 4K TV and then I started to read up on the cables needed. I got mostly Audioquest cables. Cinnamon for the cable box to the TV and from the receiver to the TV. Then Audioquest Forest from the receiver to the Ultra HD BluRay player and from the receiver to the Roku. All toll I probably put out $500 in new cabling.
    Speakers- Dynaudio Contour 1.8 Mk II, Amp - Pass Labs X150.5, Preamp - McIntosh C2600, Turntable - Music Hall MMF-9.3, Cartridge - Goldring Eroica LX, Phono PreAmp - Sutherland Insight, Digital Playback - Rotel RCD-1072, DAC - Bryston BDA-3, Headphones - Sennheiser HD-660S, and Drop + Dan Clark Audio Ether CX. Headphone Amp - Bryston BHA-1

  23. #23
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    Re: HDMI Cables

    Best HDMI cables for 4K and HD TVs | TechRadar

    They'll do the job (read data transfer unadulterated...audio/video) and they cost less than couple loaves of bread, or couple bricks of butter on sale, or the tax on couple 4K Blu-ray movies.
    ~ Bob ~
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  24. #24
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    Re: HDMI Cables

    Does anyone have any experience with Furutech's NCF HDMI top cable?

    FURUTECH HF-X NCF: ULTRA HIGH-SPEED HDMI™ V2.1 CABLE (8K/60p;4K/120p/48Gbps)

    I have a need for 3 that will be used strictly for passing digital signals (no video at present time); in the event they
    are superseded, I want to be left with a cable that could be redeployed to video and video+audio needs elsewhere
    in the house so I do care about spec compliance.

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HDMI Cables

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