Need HDMI Cable recommendations for a Home Theater setup ..

[ahmadka]

Hi all ... Well my dad is setting up a Home Theater in the basement and he's asked me to find out which HDMI Cable to use .. The cable needs to be 10 meters (32 feet) or more in length .. Also, since the cable will be embedded behind the walls, once its in there's no replacing it ... Meaning I only have one shot at this and I need a *good quality* 10 meter HDMI cable that won't let me down ! I dont mind spending a little bit of money on this, but I don't want to buy a cable that's $150+ without any genuine reason as to why its so expensive ..


Also, this friend of my dad recommended that he use a 'QED' HDMI Cable .. I looked up QED and it seems to be some UK brand of HDMI Cables which seem to be *very* expensive (about $300 for a 10 meter) cable .. What are your thoughts on this ?


Do note that I would like to get a cable thats as future-proof as possible .. Meaning it supports 3D and all .. Should be at least 1.3b .. I'm not sure if I need 1.4 or not ..


Any advice here will be really appreciated guys and gals

 

[zumbo]

Will 30ft work?
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10240&cs_id=1024002&p_id=4033&seq=1&format=2

 

[JerryLove]

I have little against monoprice... and normally would second that.

Given that you are looking to go as high-quality as possible: I'll recommend http://www.bluejeanscable.com over mono-price this time.

 

[zumbo]

I have little against monoprice... and normally would second that.

Given that you are looking to go as high-quality as possible: I'll recommend http://www.bluejeanscable.com over mono-price this time.

32ft?

 

[TLS Guy]

Hi all ... Well my dad is setting up a Home Theater in the basement and he's asked me to find out which HDMI Cable to use .. The cable needs to be 10 meters (32 feet) or more in length .. Also, since the cable will be embedded behind the walls, once its in there's no replacing it ... Meaning I only have one shot at this and I need a *good quality* 10 meter HDMI cable that won't let me down ! I dont mind spending a little bit of money on this, but I don't want to buy a cable that's $150+ without any genuine reason as to why its so expensive ..


Also, this friend of my dad recommended that he use a 'QED' HDMI Cable .. I looked up QED and it seems to be some UK brand of HDMI Cables which seem to be *very* expensive (about $300 for a 10 meter) cable .. What are your thoughts on this ?


Do note that I would like to get a cable thats as future-proof as possible .. Meaning it supports 3D and all .. Should be at least 1.3b .. I'm not sure if I need 1.4 or not ..


Any advice here will be really appreciated guys and gals

Don't ever put a cable like that in a wall without using conduit. HDMI cables can and do fail and are easily damaged. You always need to be able to run new cables without opening walls.

 

[JerryLove]

32ft?

He asked for future proofing. Assuming HDMI 1.5, or 2.0 runs at all over the existing wires: which of the two is more likely to work at 32ft with *that* standard?

Maybe both will. Maybe neither will. Of the two, the BJC is more likely (in my opinion)... therefore I recommended it.

 

[zumbo]

He asked for future proofing. Assuming HDMI 1.5, or 2.0 runs at all over the existing wires: which of the two is more likely to work at 32ft with *that* standard?

Maybe both will. Maybe neither will. Of the two, the BJC is more likely (in my opinion)... therefore I recommended it.

I had checked BJC, and I didn't notice an offering in longer lengths. I was apparently looking in the wrong place, or I overlooked the listings on the right side column of each cable price. That was my bad.

 

[ahmadka]

Alright, I talked to two Monoprice reps in detail and I'm convinced that their 35 feet cable should be okay for my HDMI 1.4 feature needs... Next question is this: They (Monprice) have various different cable options ..... Here is the list of all available 35 feet cables they have, along with their prices:

1) 24 AWG cable.. $23
2) 24 AWG 'flat' cable.. $23
3) 22 AWG cable.. $31
4) 22 AWG 'silver platted' cable.. $45

Their rep naturally recommended the last option to me as being the best at transferring signals .. But how much better is it ? I mean installation for a 22 AWG is also more difficult I understand .. Also, in the 24 AWG category, he said the 'flat' cable option is better as its more noise repelling, and is easier to install .. but i noticed people still go for the normal 'round' HDMI' cable ... Any logical reason for this ?


Can you suggest from the above list which cable I should go for ? I would of course prefer 22 AWG (I dont mind the extra $20 at all), but the problem is I don't know if it would be easy to install (as compared to a 24 AWG cable) in a 32 feet long conduit which has two 90 degree bends .. This is the reason why I'm asking for advice on the above choices ...

 

[jostenmeat]

Get the 22 AWG for peace of mind. So what if it's harder to run. It's 35ft. I still have my 35ft Mono, and it worked perfectly when I was using it. Currently running a 25ft. I've never had 3D, and cannot foresee when I ever will. As for the silver, I'll leave that up to you.

 

[LowFreq]

Alright, I talked to two Monoprice reps in detail and I'm convinced that their 35 feet cable should be okay for my HDMI 1.4 feature needs... Next question is this: They (Monprice) have various different cable options ..... Here is the list of all available 35 feet cables they have, along with their prices:

1) 24 AWG cable.. $23
2) 24 AWG 'flat' cable.. $23
3) 22 AWG cable.. $31
4) 22 AWG 'silver platted' cable.. $45

Their rep naturally recommended the last option to me as being the best at transferring signals .. But how much better is it ? I mean installation for a 22 AWG is also more difficult I understand .. Also, in the 24 AWG category, he said the 'flat' cable option is better as its more noise repelling, and is easier to install .. but i noticed people still go for the normal 'round' HDMI' cable ... Any logical reason for this ?


Can you suggest from the above list which cable I should go for ? I would of course prefer 22 AWG (I dont mind the extra $20 at all), but the problem is I don't know if it would be easy to install (as compared to a 24 AWG cable) in a 32 feet long conduit which has two 90 degree bends .. This is the reason why I'm asking for advice on the above choices ...

The normal "round" cable is more easier to implement with other cables being in one stack. Also it is better to run a "round" cable in the wall. If you are running it throught a pipe (to replace when needed etc)

 

[j_garcia]

I don't buy my HDMI cables anywhere else besides Bluejeans. For long, in-wall runs, they are a no brainer.

 

[jostenmeat]

I don't buy my HDMI cables anywhere else besides Bluejeans. For long, in-wall runs, they are a no brainer.

I've bought from both, and I see nothing superior about BJC cables.

If you look at this AH HDMI shootout of 50 cables, the 15 footers from both BJC and Mono did identically with the 5 tests.

http://www.audioholics.com/education/cables/long-hdmi-cable-bench-tests/hdmi-cable-testing-results

It's just that the BJC costs more than 3x as much.


The 25' from Mono did better than the 30' from BJC, but that extra 5' means it's not a valid comparison. Still, the BJC is over twice the price.

 

[j_garcia]

It isn't about the performance. I got a few cables from monoprice and I was less than impressed with the build quality. I haven't received anything from Bluejeans that totally satisfied me or exceeded my expectations. I use Monoprice for some things, but I am not sure if interconnects/cables will be one of them going forward.

At 15ft or under I wouldn't expect to see much of a difference between just about any cable.

 

[TLS Guy]

Alright, I talked to two Monoprice reps in detail and I'm convinced that their 35 feet cable should be okay for my HDMI 1.4 feature needs... Next question is this: They (Monprice) have various different cable options ..... Here is the list of all available 35 feet cables they have, along with their prices:

1) 24 AWG cable.. $23
2) 24 AWG 'flat' cable.. $23
3) 22 AWG cable.. $31
4) 22 AWG 'silver platted' cable.. $45

Their rep naturally recommended the last option to me as being the best at transferring signals .. But how much better is it ? I mean installation for a 22 AWG is also more difficult I understand .. Also, in the 24 AWG category, he said the 'flat' cable option is better as its more noise repelling, and is easier to install .. but i noticed people still go for the normal 'round' HDMI' cable ... Any logical reason for this ?


Can you suggest from the above list which cable I should go for ? I would of course prefer 22 AWG (I dont mind the extra $20 at all), but the problem is I don't know if it would be easy to install (as compared to a 24 AWG cable) in a 32 feet long conduit which has two 90 degree bends .. This is the reason why I'm asking for advice on the above choices ...

Silver is a marginally better conductor than copper. Its resisitivity index is 7% lower than copper. However a slight increase in the gauge of copper will amount to the same thing.

 

[jostenmeat]

It isn't about the performance. I got a few cables from monoprice and I was less than impressed with the build quality. I haven't received anything from Bluejeans that totally satisfied me or exceeded my expectations. I use Monoprice for some things, but I am not sure if interconnects/cables will be one of them going forward.

Even if I do disagree with you about the build quality (except perhaps for the mch analogs, but we are talking about an extreme difference in price there), at least you explained yourself.

When people say BJC is better, I wish they offered their reasoning more often (because it's usually never). I'm fine if that may be due to more American material/labor (if only with their most expensive cables), or perhaps because they stand up to the man (Mon$ter).

The problem I have is that people think it's just better for no apparent reason, and offer them as superior for no apparent reason.

With 12AWG from both, I find the Mono was easier to deal with, not only with stripping insulation, but because the strands are already twisted.

My Mono HDMI cables are beefier than my BJC cables.

The coax/sub cables from Mono are not the beefiest I've ever seen, and they are a bit too easy to pull out. However, I am guessing that a BJC cable might be 10x the price, going by my mch analog experiences. So, it's hard to compare there, for me.

I've never used Mono optical in my own system, but at $2 apiece, they are the thickest I've ever seen, and are a great value. I've bought em for others. Like the coax/sub cables, they can be a bit too easy to pull out, though the actual input on the component often plays a part here.

I do believe Mono products are packaged better; I remember ThA tRiXtA being extremely disappointed with the packaging on his BJC stuff for his dedicated theater.

my 2 cents. (though I've spent triple digits worth with both companies).

 

[j_garcia]

Even if I do disagree with you about the build quality (except perhaps for the mch analogs, but we are talking about an extreme difference in price there), at least you explained yourself.

When people say BJC is better, I wish they offered their reasoning more often (because it's usually never). I'm fine if that may be due to more American material/labor (if only with their most expensive cables), or perhaps because they stand up to the man (Mon$ter).

The problem I have is that people think it's just better for no apparent reason, and offer them as superior for no apparent reason.

With 12AWG from both, I find the Mono was easier to deal with, not only with stripping insulation, but because the strands are already twisted.

My Mono HDMI cables are beefier than my BJC cables.

The coax/sub cables from Mono are not the beefiest I've ever seen, and they are a bit too easy to pull out. However, I am guessing that a BJC cable might be 10x the price, going by my mch analog experiences. So, it's hard to compare there, for me.

I've never used Mono optical in my own system, but at $2 apiece, they are the thickest I've ever seen, and are a great value. I've bought em for others. Like the coax/sub cables, they can be a bit too easy to pull out, though the actual input on the component often plays a part here.

I do believe Mono products are packaged better; I remember ThA tRiXtA being extremely disappointed with the packaging on his BJC stuff for his dedicated theater.

my 2 cents. (though I've spent triple digits worth with both companies).

Which BJC HDMI cables did you ghave? If they are the older ones, the new ones are some of the thickest and best constructed I've owned, but I have some older ones from them (Chinese sourced) that are not the same as well. For my personal use, I just go for the BJC ones because they have 100% excellent customer service, and I have ordered a LOT of stuff from them over the course of many years. That is not to say that the Monoprice cables won't do the job, and Monoprice has very good customer service the times that I have used them as well. When I am ordering for the rest of my friends/family/clients, I typically will just bulk order a batch of Monoprice ones to get a quantity discount. Their optical cables are pretty standard, and have a thick jacket and heavy duty ferrule like most others on the market these days.

LOL, yes there is actually NO packaging with most of the BJC cables - just the mailer and a plastic bag - Cables don't need a box IMO

The analog cables were a significant difference from BJC to Mono. IMO, the Mono analogs were on par with the least expensive Dayton ones, which I was also not entirely impressed with. I will pay the extra $$ for the BJCs because I consider them to be extremely good cables all things considered - to the point that I doubt I would use any other analogs going forward. They aren't pretty, but pretty doesn't really count on that front

 

[MinusTheBear]

There are differences between BJC and Monoprice cables that IMO justify buying BJC on certain items and Monoprice on others. Having purchased countless cables from both companies I will share my experience. They are both great companies.

1) The BJC locking Banana plugs at $5.25/pair are better than the much cheaper monoprice non-locking type. Better design and build quality which offer a more secure connection. The screw type locking mechanism is well worth it IMO.

2) I prefer the Canare and Taversoe connectors on the BJC interconnects. Offer the best balance between secure and not death gripping tight (we have all had this experience one time or another taking an interconnect off the back of a receiver).

3) Monoprice speaker cable and analog interconnects (which I use on my Panasonic BD55 Blu-ray player) are incredible values even when comparing prices to reasonable outfits like BJC. Its really tough justifying the premium on the BJC analog interconnects.

4) Robustness of the HDMI from BJC and Monoprice all depend on what model/gauge you purchase and if flexbility matters in the application for the user. The cheaper BJC HDMI cables are the Tartan branded ones. I have BJC's flagship HDMI cable and the build quality is incredibly robust. I have one of the cheapest Monoprice HDMI cables for a shorter 10 foot run and it works equally as good but there is drastic differences in build quality. The monoprice HDMI is much thinner and therefore is more flexible which has an advantage in some instances. However the BJC will pass a signal on a much longer run up to 100ft +.

 

[j_garcia]

1) The BJC locking Banana plugs at $5.25/pair are better than the much cheaper monoprice non-locking type. Better design and build quality which offer a more secure connection. The screw type locking mechanism is well worth it IMO.

Monoprice sells nearly the same ones at about the same price as well though.

2) I prefer the Canare and Taversoe connectors on the BJC interconnects. Offer the best balance between secure and not death gripping tight (we have all had this experience one time or another taking an interconnect off the back of a receiver).

These are one of the primary reasons why these cables are so good. The Taversoe connectors are the best I've ever used.

3) Monoprice speaker cable and analog interconnects (which I use on my Panasonic BD55 Blu-ray player) are incredible values even when comparing prices to reasonable outfits like BJC. Its really tough justifying the premium on the BJC analog interconnects.

I've bought MUCH more expensive interconnects as well as the BJCs, and I've gone back to the BJCs and I've come to the conclusion that the BJCs are easily my favorites.

4) Robustness of the HDMI from BJC and Monoprice all depend on what model/gauge you purchase and if flexbility matters in the application for the user. The cheaper BJC HDMI cables are the Tartan branded ones. I have BJC's flagship HDMI cable and the build quality is incredibly robust. I have one of the cheapest Monoprice HDMI cables for a shorter 10 foot run and it works equally as good but there is drastic differences in build quality. The monoprice HDMI is much thinner and therefore is more flexible which has an advantage in some instances. However the BJC will pass a signal on a much longer run up to 100ft +.

Exactly what I am talking about.

 

[jostenmeat]

I don't remember what BJC I have in my rig. I could take a photo, but I don't want to be bothered, unless you guys really demand it. It works. But like I said the Mono stuff HDMI cables work great at a much lesser price. I've already used 15, 25, and 35 foot HDMI Monos, they all work perfectly.

I have BJC interconnects and speaker wire too.

I only buy the thickest gauge Monoprice cables that I can for any given length. They're so cheap, why wouldn't I? I've never once bought the thin stuff.

For bananas, I would go elsewhere from Mono or BJC.