I have a new 32" LCD tv, I have a divx player with component video output, no HDMI. At my store, they have component video cables, but the silver plated one is cheaper than the gold plated component video cables. Which is better? I know silver has better conductivity than gold, but still...the silver plated cable has the ordinary rubber jacket, but the gold plated cable has a nice metal like cable jacket. Any thoughts? Trying to get a good investment. [Update] Cable is nickel plated, not silver.
Plus, you was saying that silver is more conductive than gold. With AV cables etc is better to have the least conductive material, that is why gold is a lot more expensive, Plus because its GOLD!!!!
Update: It turns out that cable is nickel plated, not silver. So gold is the better alternative now I would think.
Most (cheap) cables are nickel plated. Regardless, the plating of a cable has nothing to do with the performance of the cable. Gold won't rust but it also doesn't maintain the signal any better than the nickel plated cable. You should be a lot more concerned about what is in between the connectors. Look for the amount and type of shielding. If possible look under the connector to make sure that the de-lectric is not damaged (as this could change the Ohm rating). Make sure that the solder connections are clean and making contact. Its not about plating! Ced
diabolos said it right, the only people who should buy gold plated connectors are people who live in areas of extremely high humidity, or those who prefer to show off the "bling" on there stereo, gold is a worse conductor than copper. The manufacturers that started the "Gold plating" fad, were banking on people wanting bigger, prettier, fancier, but not any better.
