What is the difference between Gold plated HDMI cables and the standard cheaper HDMI cables?
Jared O’meagher asked:
I had a standard HDMI cable but i needed a longer one. So i bought a new one that was gold plated. It is still shipping in but id like to know whether it makes a big difference compared to my old one.
I had a standard HDMI cable but i needed a longer one. So i bought a new one that was gold plated. It is still shipping in but id like to know whether it makes a big difference compared to my old one.
December 16th, 2011 at 1:13 am
Gold is just a better conductor. But I use two HDMI cables, one gold one cheap, and I can’t tell the difference.
December 18th, 2011 at 2:45 pm
The only difference between gold plated HDMI cables and the cheap ones are price… that is it.
go to for wholesale priced cables. Its where I do all of my shopping and I have no complaints
December 19th, 2011 at 8:01 am
I honestly see no difference between the two. I think the only time it makes a difference is if you have an extremely long HDMI cable.
December 19th, 2011 at 9:19 am
There is no difference. I would recommend checking out the HDMI cables at Hosa Tech. They are a legit company, have great prices, and ship very quickly. They’re a pretty big player in the professional audio and music industry also. Check out their HDMI cables at
December 22nd, 2011 at 1:32 pm
The gold plated HDMI cable is better. Better quality and last longer, also is a better conducter.
December 23rd, 2011 at 11:50 pm
Gold plated connectors have better conductivity. But, you won’t see that difference in the picture quality. An HDMI cable passes a digital signal, which is not nearly as susceptible to things like outside interference and bad connectivity like an analog signal is. The more expensive cables also have better shielding and are built to take a bit more abuse before breaking. But, according to every review I have ever seen about them (including on CNET’s website), you shouldn’t spend more than $10 for a 6-foot HDMI cable for any standard, non-professional application.
December 26th, 2011 at 12:56 pm
Gold does not make any improvement in sound or picture it is not the best conductor it used because it does not oxidize like other metals. I feel manufactures also use it more as a ploy to make people believe they are getting a better cable and they can charge more.
Price does not guarantee your getting a better cable.
There is a difference in the quality of picture and or sound in all cables including digital cables, the key is weather the system is of high enough quality to show you those differences. The system or video display must also be well calibrated as well.
Your independent hi-end audio store carry the better cables and have the knowledge to help you choose the right cables for your system.
Kevin
35 years hi-end audio video specialist