Is there really a difference between HDMI cables?

[HardOfHearing]

I can spend $5 to $50 for the same 6 foot HDMI cable.
Is there really a difference in what one sees and hears between the various cables?

What are the top 3 recommended HDMI cables to purchase for a surround sound setup?

 

[ryanosaur]

I usually recommend Monoprice Certified HDMIs. Beyond looking for certified cables, none of the fancy cr@p does anything useful. Certified isn't a guarantee, but of the 5 or 6 certified HDMI 2.0 4K cables I bought, all work.
If you have to do over a 25-30'run, you may need to look at something like a hybrid active cable with a voltage inserter added. I think Ruipro is the top recommendation for cables like that.

Monoprice 8K Certified Braided Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable - HDMI 2.1, 8K@60Hz, 48Gbps, CL2 In-Wall Rated, 30AWG, 6ft, Black - Monoprice.com

The Monoprice™ 8K Certified Braided Ultra High Speed HDMI® Cable is the next generation of HDMI cable. Certified by an HDMI authorized testing center, these cables support up to 8K@60Hz/4K@1

www.monoprice.com

Monoprice 4K Slim Certified Premium High Speed HDMI Cable 6ft - 18Gbps Black - Monoprice.com

Monoprice™ Certified Premium High Speed HDMI® Cables are designed to meet and exceed the highest standards of HDMI performance. Capable of delivering 18Gbps bandwidth, these are the only cab

www.monoprice.com

Monoprice 4K Slim Certified Premium High Speed HDMI Cable 6ft - 18Gbps Black - Monoprice.com

Monoprice™ Certified Premium High Speed HDMI® Cables are designed to meet and exceed the highest standards of HDMI performance. Capable of delivering 18Gbps bandwidth, these are the only cab

www.monoprice.com

 

[HardOfHearing]

Probably 4 feet is enough but will get 8 max just to be sure but am curious if anyone test and found a noticeable visual or audible difference between the various cables.

 

[ryanosaur]

Usually, HDMI cables work, or they don't. All you need is something to give electrons a conductive pathway from point A to point B. They don't care if the copper has been massaged by vestal virgins or if the conductor is a single extruded crystal. In short, you will not get extra sparkly picture or SQ beyond what a good conductive pathway will offer. (On the other hand, if the cable isn't working, you'll get all kinds of sparkles, or static, or simply a blank screen.)
For a 6' cable, you shouldn't need to spend beyond $10-$20 depending on whether its 4K or 8K.

 

[lovinthehd]

I've used a wide variety of hdmi cables, as long as it is of sufficient bandwidth and construction for the length you need, I wouldn't get too worried about it. 8 ft shouldn't be hard to deal with. I would avoid particularly heavy or tech-flex covered cables as perhaps a bit unwieldy/stressing hdmi ports. The last few cables I've purchased have been Monoprice and Mediabridge brands I think. One accessory I have found useful over the years are various port savers like these https://www.monoprice.com/category/adapters,-switches,-&-splitters/av-&-computer-adapters/hdmi-adapters

 

[HardOfHearing]

I've used a wide variety of hdmi cables, as long as it is of sufficient bandwidth and construction for the length you need, I wouldn't get too worried about it. 8 ft shouldn't be hard to deal with. I would avoid particularly heavy or tech-flex covered cables as perhaps a bit unwieldy/stressing hdmi ports. The last few cables I've purchased have been Monoprice and Mediabridge brands I think. One accessory I have found useful over the years are various port savers like these https://www.monoprice.com/category/adapters,-switches,-&-splitters/av-&-computer-adapters/hdmi-adapters

That is a good idea and actually very useful.
I searched but didn't find any but do they have these swivel or 90 degrees for RCA jacks.

 

[lovinthehd]

That is a good idea and actually very useful.
I searched but didn't find any but do they have these swivel or 90 degrees for RCA jacks.

Like these ?

 

[HardOfHearing]

Like these ?

Exactly, thanks.