AudioQuest HDMI 2.1 Cables finally released!!

[TankTop5]

What's the rate of return?

The TV was about $600 and the cables are $3,000 so by my estimate that’s a 500% improvement, picture should be better than an OLED!

 

[Tachead7075]

Come on guys, give it a rest already.

While I agree Audioquest is definitely one of the larger audiophool companies, they still make pretty nice cables and their "regular" lines like the "Pearl/Pearl48" are not overly expensive and are generally better quality then regular Amazon/China offerings.

Also, those saying it's either on or off(just 1's & 0's)with an HDMI cable are not really on point as you can get pixalation and a number of other issues with a poor quality or out of spec Hdmi cable. Also, 4K 120hz and 8K(what Audioquest's new lines are for) are even more important to have an "in spec" cable due to the large amount of data they must transfer.

 

[highfigh]

Come on guys, give it a rest already.

While I agree Audioquest is definitely one of the larger audiophool companies, they still make pretty nice cables and their "regular" lines like the "Pearl/Pearl48" are not overly expensive and are generally better quality then regular Amazon/China offerings.

Also, those saying it's either on or off(just 1's & 0's)with an HDMI cable are not really on point as you can get pixalation and a number of other issues with a poor quality or out of spec Hdmi cable. Also, 4K 120hz and 8K(what Audioquest's new lines are for) are even more important to have an "in spec" cable due to the large amount of data they must transfer.

The pixellation is due to voltage drop. Loss of video is usually an EDID issue. Active cables can help with these but black level isn't adjustable when the panel doesn't do black as well as some others.

 

[TankTop5]

Good for you. Too bad they don't do that. The black level is inherent in the panel, not adjustable by using a cable. HDMI cables don't make the sound better, either.

When you have to explain the joke to someone

When you have to explain the joke to someone - reaction, explain, joke, animated, gif. Meme Guy photo.

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[Tachead7075]

The pixellation is due to voltage drop. Loss of video is usually an EDID issue. Active cables can help with these but black level isn't adjustable when the panel doesn't do black as well as some others.

I'm not sure what you are trying to say here. My point is low quality HDMI cables can cause issues(Audioquest may have debatable morals but, they generally make quality products). I never said anything about black levels.

 

[highfigh]

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When you have to explain the joke to someone - reaction, explain, joke, animated, gif. Meme Guy photo.

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Where did that quote come from? I don't see that post.......

I hadn't read the whole thread and I haven't had my coffee!

 

[highfigh]

I'm not sure what you are trying to say here. My point is low quality HDMI cables can cause issues(Audioquest may have debatable morals but, they generally make quality products). I never said anything about black levels.

I was responding to another post but since ridiculous claims are the reason AQ exists, why not add it?

Bad cables cause problems but expensive ones don't magically make it better.

I have hated HDMI since it plopped out of its hole and that opinion hasn't changed. The one thing that I like is the fact that it's one cable for audio and video but the execution is where it loses me. Well, that and the problems that have been caused since its inception.

 

[TankTop5]

Where did that quote come from? I don't see that post.......

I hadn't read the whole thread and I haven't had my coffee!

Lol, the whole thread has been a joke except for the OP

 

[Tachead7075]

I was responding to another post but since ridiculous claims are teh reason AQ exists, why not add it?

Bad cables cause problems but expensive ones don't magically make it better.

I have hated HDMI since it plopped out of its hole and that opinion hasn't changed. The one thing that I like is the fact that it's one cable for audio and video but the execution is where it loses me. Well, that and the problems that have been caused since its inception.

10-4, and yes, Audioquest is definitely known to have a penchant towards hyperbole(that's saying it lightly lol).

Expensive cables are usually(not always) better quality though and probably offer a better chance of being in spec vs a random no-name offering. Also, something like the Audioquest Pearl 48 is not expensive, uses nothing fancy materials wise, and is a pretty good option for a 48Gpbs HDMI cable if you ask me. I think Audioquest's lower end lines are a pretty good option overall personally and offer better quality and nicer aesthetics for only a slight premium(sometimes not even) over Monoprice and other Amazon/China offerings. They are also an American company unlike most of the Amazon offerings which matters to some.

Agreed on all points.

 

[William Lemmerhirt]

Come on guys, give it a rest already.

While I agree Audioquest is definitely one of the larger audiophool companies, they still make pretty nice cables and their "regular" lines like the "Pearl/Pearl48" are not overly expensive and are generally better quality then regular Amazon/China offerings.

Also, those saying it's either on or off(just 1's & 0's)with an HDMI cable are not really on point as you can get pixalation and a number of other issues with a poor quality or out of spec Hdmi cable. Also, 4K 120hz and 8K(what Audioquest's new lines are for) are even more important to have an "in spec" cable due to the large amount of data they must transfer.

When I see something like hdmi cables pushing sonic performance to new levels I just smh. That’s just bullshitt. As far as 1’s and 0’s well yeah. They get there or they don’t. That has nothing to do with being a cheap cable or some esoteric crap. If it’s not meeting spec well why? Because its cheap? Or just isn’t to spec. If a cable isn’t delivering the data packets then it’s bad(possibly under spec or not hdmi certified). And I definitely agree with @highfigh. A bad(not necessarily cheap) cable can definitely cause problems. But a fancy overpriced one will NOT fix any. Or add any real performance gains. That’s all marketing bologna...
I will give you one thing. AQ does use nice materials on the outside. Jackets are nice, connectors are solid etc. but if you dissected one, you might be pretty surprised.

 

[Tachead7075]

When I see something like hdmi cables pushing sonic performance to new levels I just smh. That’s just bullshitt. As far as 1’s and 0’s well yeah. They get there or they don’t. That has nothing to do with being a cheap cable or some esoteric crap. If it’s not meeting spec well why? Because its cheap? Or just isn’t to spec. If a cable isn’t delivering the data packets then it’s bad(possibly under spec or not hdmi certified). And I definitely agree with @highfigh. A bad(not necessarily cheap) cable can definitely cause problems. But a fancy overpriced one will NOT fix any. Or add any real performance gains. That’s all marketing bologna...
I will give you one thing. AQ does use nice materials on the outside. Jackets are nice, connectors are solid etc. but if you dissected one, you might be pretty surprised.

Yeah, a lot of marketing is BS these days(not just Audioquest) but, it works so can you blame them? My opinion is if people are too stupid to do research and blindly follow marketing they deserve to be taken advantage of.

No, it doesn't just get there or not. You can have a bunch of other issues even though it is still "getting there" for the most part.

Imo you have a much better chance of getting an "in spec" cable from a high end American company vs random no-name Chinesium. Even companies like Monoprice have been caught selling fake products like CCA that's labeled as OFC. There are many examples of these companies out right lying about specs or certifications. That rarely happens with American companies.

I have seen a number of Audioquest products dissected on the net and they had equally good quality on the inside. People like to rag on them due to their ridiculous marketing but, the truth is they make a high quality product(better then most) and are an American company to boot.

 

[William Lemmerhirt]

Yeah, a lot of marketing is BS these days(not just Audioquest) but, it works so can you blame them? My opinion is if people are too stupid to do research and blindly follow marketing they deserve to be taken advantage of.

No, it doesn't just get there or not. You can have a bunch of other issues even though it is still "getting there" for the most part.

Imo you have a much better chance of getting an "in spec" cable from a high end American company vs random no-name Chinesium. Even companies like Monoprice have been caught selling fake products like CCA that's labeled as OFC. There are many examples of these companies out right lying about specs or certifications. That rarely happens with American companies.

I have seen a number of Audioquest products dissected on the net and they had equally good quality on the inside. People like to rag on them due to their ridiculous marketing but, the truth is they make a high quality product(better then most) and are an American company to boot.

Ok. What would be some “other issues” then? Just curious since you’ve mentioned it.
Also, imo being an American company should be a great thing. Not to be associated with super stupid prices,lies and bait and switch demonstrations. I will definitely agree that other companies domestic and foreign alike “stretch” the marketing envelope. But NOWHERE to the extent of AQ. And as far as people being too stupid? Well yeah, that’s on them. But they shouldn’t have to worry about wolves in sheep’s clothing in the first place.

 

[Trebdp83]

What are your payment? 2c per mo?

If only, I'm too ashamed to tell you the interest rate.

 

[Trebdp83]

Oh, and there are NO F#&KIN" PREMIUM CERTIFIED HDMI 2.1(48gbps) CABLES! You get what you get right now because everybody wants to flaunt HDMI 2.1 features when the f#%kin' thing isn't even really finalized. I'd love to upgrade my ol' XBOX 360, TV and AVR. I took a shot at the Yamaha Imperial droid out of curiosity but it was s#%t for more reasons than just the HDMI 2.1 chips. Unless my current gear craps out, I'll keep it all until 2022. It may take longer than that for everybody to sort this s#%t out. For f#%k's sake manufacturers, agree on a feature set that every one of you will implement in your products so they actually f#%kin' work! Oh, and f#%k you Dolby. Since when do you own sound, anyway?!! Where did I put those uncompressed PCM blu-rays?

 

[Tachead7075]

Ok. What would be some “other issues” then? Just curious since you’ve mentioned it.
Also, imo being an American company should be a great thing. Not to be associated with super stupid prices,lies and bait and switch demonstrations. I will definitely agree that other companies domestic and foreign alike “stretch” the marketing envelope. But NOWHERE to the extent of AQ. And as far as people being too stupid? Well yeah, that’s on them. But they shouldn’t have to worry about wolves in sheep’s clothing in the first place.

Well, I am far from an HDMI expert and tend to buy high quality, well engineered cables as a whole so this question is probably better answered by others but, my understanding is all types of issues including intermittent picture and/or sound, sparkle, fuzziness, colours that are off in tone or other qualities, lowered resolution, etc.

I agree, their marketing is deployable. I mean, if someone just wants to have a beautifully crafted cable made of solid platinum or whatever then have at it but, don't try and say it will tickle your eardrums or something lol. Unfortunately, this is fairly common place in the audio industry and has been for as long as I can remember.

Oh no, there are others...

Home - Shunyata Research

Shunyata Research News More News Patented Science. Unrivaled Results. Shunyata Research is a Washington State based company that designs and manufacturers the world’s most advanced electrical and signal system products. Backed by multiple patents and the design talents of former military...

shunyata.com

(just one example, there are plenty more)

Anyway, didn't want to turn this into another cables thread. Just thought I would point out that not all is bad about Audioquest products.

 

[William Lemmerhirt]

Oh, and there are NO F#&KIN" PREMIUM CERTIFIED HDMI 2.1(48gbps) CABLES! You get what you get right now because everybody wants to flaunt HDMI 2.1 features when the f#%kin' thing isn't even really finalized. I'd love to upgrade my ol' XBOX 360, TV and AVR. I took a shot at the Yamaha Imperial droid out of curiosity but it was s#%t for more reasons than just the HDMI 2.1 chips. Unless my current gear craps out, I'll keep it all until 2022. It may take longer than that for everybody to sort this s#%t out. For f#%k's sake manufacturers, agree on a feature set that every one of you will implement in your products so they actually f#%kin' work! Oh, and f#%k you Dolby. Since when do you own sound, anyway?!! Where did I put those uncompressed PCM blu-rays?

Right!!!!!!
It’s like trying to sell upgraded wings for your flying car...

 

[William Lemmerhirt]

Well, I am far from an HDMI expert and tend to buy high quality, well engineered cables as a whole so this question is probably better answered by others but, my understanding is all types of issues including intermittent picture and/or sound, sparkle, fuzziness, colours that are off in tone or other qualities, lowered resolution, etc.

I agree, their marketing is deployable. I mean, if someone just wants to have a beautifully crafted cable made of solid platinum or whatever then have at it but, don't try and say it will tickle your eardrums or something lol. Unfortunately, this is fairly common place in the audio industry and has been for as long as I can remember.

Oh no, there are others...

Home - Shunyata Research

Shunyata Research News More News Patented Science. Unrivaled Results. Shunyata Research is a Washington State based company that designs and manufacturers the world’s most advanced electrical and signal system products. Backed by multiple patents and the design talents of former military...

shunyata.com

(just one example, there are plenty more)

Anyway, didn't want to turn this into another cables thread. Just thought I would point out that not all is bad about Audioquest products.

Agreed. Don’t need another cable thread lol. But you mentioned some things that I don’t believe are attributed to cheap cables. Out of spec ones? Sure. My point was only that with hdmi super fancy cables won’t get you anything beyond the spec. Not better blacks, deeper color increased contrast etc. However if someone wants expensive cables because they’re beautiful? Have at it. I’ll never fault anyone for that. As long as I don’t have to hear about all the performance that comes with.

 

[mtrycrafts]

The TV was about $600 and the cables are $3,000 so by my estimate that’s a 500% improvement, picture should be better than an OLED!

Is it up to 8k now?

 

[Tachead7075]

Agreed. Don’t need another cable thread lol. But you mentioned some things that I don’t believe are attributed to cheap cables. Out of spec ones? Sure. My point was only that with hdmi super fancy cables won’t get you anything beyond the spec. Not better blacks, deeper color increased contrast etc. However if someone wants expensive cables because they’re beautiful? Have at it. I’ll never fault anyone for that. As long as I don’t have to hear about all the performance that comes with.

I think often, cheap and out of spec go hand in hand though(R&D, quality engineering and production, testing & quality control, and quality materials are expensive). I would guess one has a much better chance getting an out of spec or poor performing cable from the likes of a random Amazon company vs a premium American one but, that's just a guess and I have nothing to back that up.

With HDMI, "super fancy cables" MAY get you better all the things I listed above though and that can make a difference but, only to a point. Better materials, tighter tolerances, and better quality control can lower failure rates and improve spec compliance. Better shielding can make a cable more resistant to interference you may have in your room. Tighter tolerances on connectors can keep resistance constant and and prevent corrosion over time, as can higher quality connector coatings and base materials. Better quality control and testing can allow less duds out into the wild. Etc...

It is not just black and white and simply a matter of if it works, meets specs, or doesn't. Remember too that specs are a minimum and can(probably should) be exceeded. There is added value in some premium HDMI cables imo but, definitely a cost of diminishing returns and I think that is probably at the lower end of Audioquest's product line(just because that is who this thread is about).

Just to throw this out there too... If one was using a cheap under performing cable that was having some of the issues I described above caused by data loss then a better cable could theoretically increase the performance over the cheap one quite a bit. They may end up with an increase of some of the properties you describe as the poorly performing cable was hindering them before. Just something to think about...

 

[lovinthehd]

I'm not sure what you are trying to say here. My point is low quality HDMI cables can cause issues(Audioquest may have debatable morals but, they generally make quality products). I never said anything about black levels.

But their products are not exceptional, except for the pricing. Just not worth giving these charlatans money in the first place. Just encourages them.

They might be assembled in america....