Helps to tame bright, thin sounding systems, but does so at the expense of dulling details

Dull and restrictive sounding

The Interconnect 400 is marketed towards first time buyers looking to replace their OEM cables. Or, as in my case as part of a systems purchase the salesment talked me into these. I used them for about 2 weeks. Out of curiosity I replaced the 400 with the OEM cable that came with my CD player. It wasn't as smooth but there was more detail, and it just sounded less restrictive, more open. I returned the 400 cables. A different salesperson suggested I try Monster's 551, it cost just 10 dollars more. This cable was just as smooth but I perceived more detail, better treble and bass extension, and over all it sounds more open. For 10 dollars more the 551 is a much better value then the 400.

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Monster 551

Very neutral uncolored cable that allows the original performance to come through; very detailed, airy sound; taut bass;

For this price, none.

DAX must be deaf, because even if this cable does not sound that good, giving it a 'one' is unwarranted. This is truly an excellent sounding interconnect- much better than the older, plain 400. This MKII allows all of the original source recording to come through with a beautiful soundstage, more focused instruments and voice, and much tauter bass. The detail is also there which is truly surprising for a 'consumer grade' Monster interconnect. Quite surprising, to say the least! On an overall basis, and I find myself surprised to say this, it compares to the AudioQuests and Kimbers listed above. At least on my system. This is an excellent buy for around $40 at 1m pair. Whatever Monster is finally doing, they are doing right!

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AudioQuest Jade, Kimber PBS

Inexpensive. Good for cheap systems that can't deliver to begin with.

Horrible sound.

Monster makes a version of the 400 with a mini plug on one end. I was told this was the best miniplug to RCA interconnect available. Considering how small the market is for mini to RCA interconnects, I understand there's no demand for audiophile-quality cable. I couldn't believe my ears when I discovered how much BETTER the cheapest RadioShack interconnect was v. the 400 mkII. The 400 dulled highs, mids, and lows to a high degree. The dulling effect was especially apparent when used between my Sony D-35 (sony's ultimate high-end portable CD player) and a Grado RA-1/SR-325 amp/headphone combination.

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Cheap RadioShack interconnects, Kimber PBJ

Well balanced, accurate sound. An excellent value for the money.

None, as far as I'm concerned.

I've noticed that this product has received anywhere from 1 to 5 stars as a rating. This is totally absurd! It just goes to show that you really have to listen to a product for yourself to get a true idea of its quality. I agree with the folks who rate this interconnect favorably. I'm no audiophile, but I know good sound and I can tell you that the Monster 400mk2 is a definate improvement over freebie cables or the Radio Shack upgrades(which really aren't bad for the money, incidently). I have a 400mk2 connecting my H/K FL8380 CD player to my McIntosh 1700 receiver. It sounds great with my equipment; nice detail, balance, soundstage, and imageing. You can't expect a $40 cable to perform miracles, but this one offers balanced, uncolored sound for a great price. Also, did anyone who gave this cable a 1-2 star rating even bother to burn it in? All cables need burn-in time to sound their best. The sound of my system mellowed out after about a week of use. Hey, but don't take my word for it, you have to hear this cable for yourself.

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Radio Shack gold interconnects
Freebies

Good Shielding, tight fit

Sound good for the $. I think this whole cable debate is a little silly. I'd like to see some of these "audiophiles" in a double blind test. Sure shielding is important as well as gold plateing, but aren't some of us getting carried away? I mean $1500 cable!!!! Give me a break.

balanced performer

none at this price

400mk2 sounds great for the money. If I had 30 bucks to spend, I'd definitely get these cables or the monster interlink cd.

Why?

I find most medium priced range ($100) cables are able to make low to mid end audio equipment sound better by boosting certain frequencies. I believe this somehow artificially makes the system sound better.

But?

Most mid range cables do not sound good in high end stereo equipments. High end gear doesnt sound good with cables that alters its sound.

So?

When setting up a high end system, you have two alternatives. Using high to ultra high end cables or use this monster interlink or cdlink cables.

Why?

To evade audio coloration and sonic alterations, use cables that are clean and neutral sounding. Using cables such as kimber kcag or audiotruth diamond will unlock the potential of your high end equipment, while lower end interlinks constrict the sound, yet it will still provide sound that's close to the source.

Conclusion:

If you're using adequate equipment that needs a lil help in certain areas in its sonic qualities, the 400mk2 is not your cable, for they will be no better than oem patch cords. But, if your equipment is well rounded then these cables are for you.

After thought

If you want your cd player to have that tubish slam quality, then get the interlink cd. It works great with my cal audio delta/sigmas. The iCD has a smaller sound stage, but it makes the drums, strings and brass instruments glow: these are qualities that are not present when I am using my audioquest emeralds or with any other cable.

Good sound, neutral and detailed

none

I've enjoyed useing these cables the minute I had them in my system. I could heard a better base responce and clearer highs. The monster interlink 400mkII's are well worth the money.

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none

This is a review to counter DAX on 6/00. I LOVE an "audiophile" that bashes a cable connected to his -get this- SONY PORTABLE CD "the best one!" using the HEADPHONE JACK. Jesus! like he's expecting to get sonic nirvana out of a POS like a portable Sony? HA!

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Radio Shack, yes the good ones

Good placement, excellent base

none so far

I must say I am very happy i have this cable. I bought it in a package deal consisting of a Denon da-500 DAC en the Monster LS100 digital interlink. My system's performance has increased dramatically. I almost fell of my chair the first time I heard the inprovement in the sound quality. I don't know if the Denon DAC, the LS100, or the 400MKII was responsible for this. But the 400's certainly didn't kill it. I am a very happy bunny with this cable. Good thing is it will even improve!

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cheap out of the box cables

None

Poor sound quality

I got a deal on this-50% off-to connect my DSS music channels to my NAD amp.Now I know why they discounted it-it doesn't sound any better than Radio Shack cables. Save your money or buy something good!

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Kimber,Audioquest,QED