Well, I finally finished most of my home theater. Just a few more things to get, like the M80's.

I just finished the wiring. I made ALL of the interconnects using Canare products. I'm not much into snake oil or getting scre*ed. I used the LV-77 and rcap 77 for the audio and V3-5cfb for the video. I already had the tools so my only cost was the cable and connector which is a hell of lot cheaper than buying Monster again. The tools will set you back about $180.00 or the cost of a couple "Z" series Monster products. Westlake electronics can help with the tools and cable.

I'm an IT guy by profession, I help automate VERY Large custom homes. My company installs custom home theaters. We've been using Canare for several years now.

I just want people to know that there are other options than Monster (bitter, long story!).

When it comes to Monster, you're basically preaching to the converted. While there are arguments here over the impact of interconnects on the overall sound of a system, Monster is pretty universally regarded as overpriced and overhyped.

Mark

I deal with customers every day that feel that Monster is the answer. I needed a place to vent.
Last week we had to install all Monster because the customer was convinced that was the only solution. During the install, the only thing I could think of was what a waste of money. We had to install Monster amps, power and all of the cable. It looked like a custom install for Monster. We should submit photos to them, they do have monthly contests for "all" Monster installs.

Tom

This is always a touchy topic. Those that believe that a certain cable sounds better than another will never be convinced otherwise. Personally, I believe that a cheap cable can hurt your system, but that once you get beyond a certain point (roughly equivalent to blue jeans cables, which, I believe use Canare products), cables don't do a thing. They're just electrons for cryin' out loud! Expensive cables, IMHO, are snake oil.

The guy who started Monster and still runs it went to my college, he often comes to speak to the Audio engineering society as well as speaks to the electrical engineering department.

One thing about him, though, he did revolutionize the cabling industry, technically creating an industry himself.