Ancient Cable Experts Please Help.

Avoid ANYTHING with Monster's name on it. It is not good stuff. After a few years, solder will not stiff to it.

STICK, the word was supposed to be stick, not stiff. This is what happens when one becomes an ancient cable expert. The mind is the second thing to go. I forgot what the first was.

Even if working at their optimum, the Monster cable designs of that time were all high capacitance, and so had limited high frequency extension and a "congested" sound character. A strong "sell" recommendation, and upgrade your cables with a more contemporary design; you can't lose.

WOW ! Did not know all this. Is there a guideline average life for cables ? Do I need to change / re-evaluate my cables bought in '94 ?

Ikarus, in theory there should not be an average life for cables, they should perform well indefinitely, some types depending on conductor materials, etc can actually improve over the years. If there is any life limitaion it is likely to stem from problems with insulation materials, terminations, etc. However with some earlier stranded types there can be corrosion problems but again these can be minimised if the cables are looked after well enough. The only reason you should change/re-evaluate your cables is either if you listen with other cable types in your system that improve on your old ones or you get the dreaded "audio-itis" fever at regular periods which causes one to break out in a sweat and run into audio stores clutching your wallet shouting "help yourself"...!! Enjoy the music and seasons greetings to all, Richard at www.vantageaudio.com