AudioQuest Diamond: most expensive HDMI cables worth it?

AI Thread Summary
The AudioQuest Diamond HDMI cables, priced at $1,494.75 for 6.5FT, have sparked debate over their value among audiophiles. Critics argue that the high cost is unjustified, as digital signals do not benefit from claims of low jitter and distortion, which are more relevant in analog contexts. While some acknowledge that shielding could reduce interference, many believe the price is inflated and akin to previous controversies surrounding Monster cables. The consensus leans towards the idea that HDMI cables function adequately as long as they are not defective, with mechanical reliability being a more significant concern than marketing claims. Overall, the discussion suggests skepticism regarding the necessity of such expensive cables for typical audio setups.
Greg Bernhardt
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I was browsing amazon for some basic HDMI cables and was flabbergasted when I came across some by AudioQuest Diamond. They cost $1,494.75 for 6.5FT.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003CT2A2M/?tag=pfamazon01-20

The information gives
  • Solid Perfect-Surface Silver (PSS) Conductors
  • Low Jitter, Low Distortion Audio
  • Signal Conductors Controlled for Digital Audio Direction
  • Bi-Directional Ethernet Communication and Audio Return Channel Enabled
  • Dielectric-Bias System (DBS US Pat # 7,126,055) Significantly Improves Audio Performance
Is this a total scam or is there some value for the biggest audiophiles out there?
 
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Greg Bernhardt said:
Is this a total scam or is there some value for the biggest audiophiles out there?
It is a scam. The cable may well be a high quality cable, but since we are talking digital signals, the "Low jitter, low distortion" is meaningless. After all, we are running full duplex gigabit communication over Cat 6 cables, and they are not especially expensive.
 
Perhaps it's not a deliberate scam. Aren't some prices on Amazon set by computer algorithms?
 
You can make an argument that shielding digital communications cables in an audio environment is valuable, as it reduces interference in your speakers and the analog portion of your signal chain. This cable doesn't make that argument. It's a scam.
 
This is monster cables X 10... complete BS...
 
Windadct said:
This is monster cables X 10... complete BS...
Does monster cable also engage in shady claims? I used to have an 30ft s-video monster cable and got it fairly cheap on ebay. Worked just fine :)
 
IM (NSH) O Absolutely! - it is not that they are bad - they just are too expensive for the claims they make. - I like http://www.mycablemart.com - In the digital realm - HDMI = HDMI - if the cable is bad you will notice it.. dropped frames, freezes - etc. The long term mechanical reliability of the connector is much more important then anything I have seen monster advertize. As for interferance with speakers - I would challenge anyone to notice a <5V digital signal wrapped around their speaker to notice the difference.

NSH = not so humble - sorry I have a strong opinion on this - it gives people in technical marketing and sales a really bad name...used car anyone?
 
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Greg Bernhardt said:
Does monster cable also engage in shady claims? I used to have an 30ft s-video monster cable and got it fairly cheap on ebay. Worked just fine :)
Yes, but if you got them especially cheap, you beat the scam, since the entirety of the scam is aimed at convincing you to spend more than they are worth.
 
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Windadct said:
The long term mechanical reliability of the connector is much more important then anything I have seen monster advertize.
I'll agree with that. The socket, plug, and the boot between the plug and cable are very common failure points. But only in cables that are manipulated often (charging cables, for example). So while it is true, it isn't even all that critical for an HDMI cable, which spends years in the same position.
 

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