The rise and fall of Monster Cable

[redm]

Just curious if anyone knows the backstory of Monster Cable, they were big in the early to mid-90's. I know a few people who were audiophiles back then that used Monster products. More recently, if you even mention Monster, you get the stink eye. It seems like maybe they just who**ed out the brand name to low quality products and ruined their rep in the process?

Inquiring minds want to know.

[metaphacts]

Originally Posted by redm

Just curious if anyone knows the backstory of Monster Cable, they were big in the early to mid-90's. I know a few people who were audiophiles back then that used Monster products. More recently, if you even mention Monster, you get the stink eye. It seems like maybe they just who**ed out the brand name to low quality products and ruined their rep in the process?

Inquiring minds want to know.

Monster, while not the first audiophile cable back in the 70s, is by far the most successful. They may not be the highest end choice but they are exactly who they appear to be. Nobody in the wire business is close to the commercial success that is Monster. On top of that they remain privately held. Perhaps the Bose or B&O of wire.

[DonBattles]

And how have they failed? When you mention audio cables to just about anyone they recognize Monster Cable. Much like when you ask about a nice watch as 90% say Rolex. They have brand recognition and just because some "audiophiles" go poo poo to the name doesn't mean they have failed.

[bzr]

Originally Posted by metaphacts

Monster, while not the first audiophile cable back in the 70s, is by far the most successful. They may not be the highest end choice but they are exactly who they appear to be. Nobody in the wire business is close to the commercial success that is Monster. On top of that they remain privately held. Perhaps the Bose or B&O of wire.

Too funny, that was my first foray into separates with the complementation of Monster cable & Bose 301's. I really enjoyed that Pioneer system & dragged it from mine site to mine site in the backseat of the car. Just about everyone on the site enjoyed my music, I enjoyed a bit of tumble back then.

[DesW]

Originally Posted by metaphacts

Monster, while not the first audiophile cable back in the 70s, is by far the most successful.

That honour I'd think goes to Bob Fulton for his "battery leads"

The Golds- I fought a pair-they were heavy and unwieldily mothers!

Des

[1KW]

I know I am in the minority but it depends on how resolving your system . I am still using some of the monster RCA interconnects going from my OPPP 95 to my MX120 and have absolutely no complaints with them. I have all wireworld in my 2 channel room. Someday when I upgrade my home theater with better more resolving speakers I will upgrade the cables as well.

[Still-One]

Originally Posted by redm

Just curious if anyone knows the backstory of Monster Cable, they were big in the early to mid-90's. I know a few people who were audiophiles back then that used Monster products. More recently, if you even mention Monster, you get the stink eye. It seems like maybe they just who**ed out the brand name to low quality products and ruined their rep in the process?

Inquiring minds want to know.

I am not sure if the numbers have changed much over the last couple of years but I was told by the owner of one hi-end cable company and it was confirmed by the owner of a second, Monster owns 80% of the cable market. All those cables that you see advertised in all of the magazines are fighting over their share of the last 20%. Audiophiles have little impact when most cables are purchased in the big box stores and Monster makes sure they are shut out there.

[redm]

Originally Posted by DonBattles

And how have they failed? When you mention audio cables to just about anyone they recognize Monster Cable. Much like when you ask about a nice watch as 90% say Rolex. They have brand recognition and just because some "audiophiles" go poo poo to the name doesn't mean they have failed.

I dont mean failed in the commercial sense. I mean failed in the audiophile community. I thought that was clear.

[Rilands]

Most people here probably started in to this expensive hobby with Some Monster cables and then moved on or up the chain as their finances afforded them and/or they became cable snobs.

[redm]

Originally Posted by Still-One

I am not sure if the numbers have changed much over the last couple of years but I was told by the owner of one hi-end cable company and it was confirmed by the owner of a second, Monster owns 80% of the cable market. All those cables that you see advertised in all of the magazines are fighting over their share of the last 20%. Audiophiles have little impact when most cables are purchased in the big box stores and Monster makes sure they are shut out there.

Again, not my point. Take a poll of peoples signatures and you wont see very many with Monster. Back in the mid-90's I knew a lot of people who chose Monster. I assume something has changed, either competitors got better, they got worse, or its used less because of the ubiquitous of the brand.